Chinese Name: Chize (English translation: Cubit Marsh)

Location: On the cubital crease, on the radial side of the tendon m. biceps brachii.

Classification: He-Sea point of the Lung Meridian.

Indications:

• Cough, asthma, hemoptysis (cough up blood), afternoon fever, chest congestion
• Sore throat
• Acute abdominal pain with vomiting and diarrhea
• Infantile convulsions
• Spasmodic pain of the elbow and arm
• Urine retention

Functions: Clears Lung Heat and descends Lung Qi, expels Lung phlegm, relaxes the sinews, frees the water passages.

Notes: He-Sea points are where the qi of the meridian collects and goes deep into the body. He-sea points are known to indicated treat rebellious qi and diarrhea.

Needling: Perpendicular insertion .8 - 2.0 cun. When treating acute abdominal pain with vomiting and diarrhea, prick the cephalic vein on LU 5 to bleed.

Podcast Episode:

For a deeper understanding of Lung 1-6 Acupuncture Points and their clinical applications, listen to our podcast episode below:

Detailed Summary of Lung 5 (Chize) Discussion

Point Overview and Naming

Lung 5, or Chize, translates to "Foot Marsh," with "Chi" referring to a foot measurement and "Ze" to a marsh or body of water. The name reflects the point's nature as a He-Sea and Water point in the Lung meridian, where Qi accumulates and is "marsh-like."

Dr. Ni explains that this Qi collection at Lung 5 lies near the elbow's cubital crease, symbolizing a water reservoir for Lung Qi, which can be especially useful for cooling and clearing Lung heat.

Location and Needling Technique

• Location: Lung 5 is located on the cubital crease, lateral to the biceps tendon. Dr. Skoien notes that it often lies in a palpable depression next to the tendon.
• Needling Approach: Dr. Skoien prefers to needle close to the tendon with a shallow insertion, usually 0.5 to 1 cun deep, as excessive depth may contact the radial nerve, potentially causing a radiating sensation in the thumb or index finger.
• Safety Considerations: Both practitioners advise against deep needling to avoid radial nerve irritation and suggest caution when using moxibustion. While traditionally not recommended for moxa, Dr. Ni mentions that some clinicians still use moxa on this point for lung coldness.

Actions and Functions

Lung 5 is primarily known for dispersing Lung heat, activating Lung Qi, and controlling respiration. Dr. Ni describes it as a go-to point for clearing heat and excess conditions in the lung.

• The point is effective in descending and dispersing Lung Qi, making it a key choice in treatments for cough and asthma where there is Lung heat or excess.
• Indications for Use:
  • Heat-Induced Respiratory Issues: Dr. Ni frequently uses Lung 5 to address heat-related respiratory issues, including cough with or without blood, asthma, chest pain, and other Lung heat conditions.
  • Qi Regulation: Lung 5 regulates Qi, particularly in cases of Qi stagnation due to stress. Lung 5's water nature can counterbalance heat and stress-induced conditions.

Unique Clinical Applications Beyond Respiratory Disorders

• Musculoskeletal Conditions: Dr. Skoien highlights Lung 5's efficacy in treating medial knee pain related to spleen channel issues and low back pain at the L2 level, often linked to quadratus lumborum muscle tension.
• Emotional and Qi Stagnation: Lung 5 is also used in treating Qi stagnation arising from stress. Dr. Skoien learned from a senior practitioner that combining Lung 5 with Spleen 9 is effective in regulating Qi and mitigating stress-induced Qi stagnation, providing an emotional and physiological reset.

Point Combinations and Clinical Examples

• Respiratory Issues: Dr. Ni frequently pairs Lung 5 with other heat-clearing points for lung heat and cough. In cases where cough involves blood, Lung 5 may be combined with a Xi-Cleft point, such as Lung 6.
• Musculoskeletal Applications: For medial knee pain, Lung 5 is combined with local points on the spleen or liver channels for spleen-related knee conditions. In cases of chronic pain, he incorporates patient movement to assess relief.
• Stress-Related Qi Stagnation: Dr. Skoien emphasizes the Lung 5 and Spleen 9 combination for releasing Qi stagnation due to stress, enhancing relaxation.

Safety and Considerations

Lung 5, as a sedation and Water point, is contraindicated for certain conditions if not combined carefully. Dr. Ni underscores that while bleeding this point can clear lung heat, one must be cautious about depth to avoid stimulating the radial nerve.

Dr. Skoien mentions that deep needling of Lung 5 can trigger radiating sensations to the thumb, highlighting the need for shallow, precise needling.

Conclusion

Dr. Ni and Dr. Skoien summarize Lung 5 as a versatile point for treating lung heat, respiratory distress, and specific musculoskeletal issues. With proper depth and technique, Lung 5 offers a powerful tool for acupuncturists addressing both acute and chronic conditions related to the Lung meridian and the Taiyin energetics system. This point's sedating, cooling nature and musculoskeletal applications reinforce its utility in various therapeutic scenarios, from respiratory ailments to stress-induced Qi stagnation.