Chize (LU5): The Cubit Marsh Point for Heat, Cough, and Arm Pain

Introduction to Chize

Chize (尺泽 LU5), meaning “Cubit Marsh,” is the He-Sea point of the Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin. Located in the crease of the elbow, it is one of the most versatile points on the Lung channel — equally effective for respiratory conditions, heat patterns, and musculoskeletal issues of the upper limb.

The name “Cubit Marsh” paints a vivid picture: the cubit (尺) refers to the forearm measurement, and marsh (泽) suggests a place where water gathers. In TCM theory, He-Sea points are where Qi flows deepest and collects like water pooling in a marsh — making Chize a powerful point for draining excess heat and regulating Lung Qi.

As a Water point on a Metal meridian, Chize is the Son point of the Lung channel according to the Five Element generating cycle. Since Metal generates Water, this is the point where Lung energy naturally drains — which is precisely why it excels at reducing excess Lung conditions.

Location

Chize is located on the elbow:

• Standard location: In the transverse cubital crease, on the radial side of the biceps brachii tendon
• Easy method: Bend your elbow slightly. Feel the prominent tendon in the middle of the elbow crease (biceps tendon). Chize is on the thumb side (lateral) of this tendon, in the crease

Detail	Description
Chinese name	尺泽 (Chǐ Zé)
English translation	Cubit Marsh
Meridian	Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin (手太阴肺经)
Point category	He-Sea point (合穴)
Element	Water (within Metal meridian)

Key Functions

1. Clear Lung Heat and Resolve Phlegm (清肺热化痰)

Chize is the premier point for clearing heat from the Lung. When external pathogens invade and transform into heat — producing yellow phlegm, fever, and a productive cough — Chize directly drains this excess heat from the Lung system.

2. Regulate Lung Qi and Stop Cough (宣肺止咳)

By harmonizing the descending function of Lung Qi, Chize addresses coughing patterns whether from excess (heat, phlegm) or the aftermath of external invasions. It helps restore the Lung’s natural downward-moving rhythm.

3. Relax the Sinews and Alleviate Pain (舒筋活络)

As a local point in the elbow, Chize effectively treats pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in the elbow and forearm. It is frequently used for tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and other repetitive strain conditions.

4. Cool Blood and Stop Vomiting (凉血止呕)

Chize has a secondary function of cooling blood heat, making it useful for vomiting associated with heat patterns, as well as hematemesis (vomiting blood) from Lung heat damaging the vessels.

Clinical Applications

Acute Cough with Yellow Phlegm

When a cough is loud, forceful, and accompanied by thick yellow or green phlegm, this indicates Lung heat. Chize is the primary He-Sea point to drain this heat and restore clear breathing.

Typical pattern: Cough with yellow sputum, fever, thirst, rapid pulse, red tongue tip.

Sore Throat and Tonsillitis

Lung heat rising to the throat causes redness, swelling, and pain. Chize addresses the root by clearing heat at its source in the Lung meridian.

Elbow and Forearm Pain

Chize is an essential local point for:

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
• Forearm stiffness and pain
• Limited elbow flexion and extension

Heat-Induced Vomiting

When vomiting is accompanied by a bitter taste, thirst, and a feeling of heat, Chize can help clear the stomach heat that drives the upward rebellion.

Childhood Wheezing and Asthma

In pediatric TCM, Chize is a key point for treating asthma and wheezing, particularly when the pattern involves Lung heat with phlegm.

Acupressure Self-Care

For Cough and Lung Heat

1. Sit comfortably with your arm resting on a table, palm facing up
2. Locate Chize in the elbow crease on the thumb side of the tendon
3. Apply firm, steady pressure with your opposite thumb
4. Hold for 1–2 minutes, breathing deeply and slowly
5. Repeat on the opposite arm

For Elbow Pain

1. Bend the elbow slightly to about 90 degrees
2. Apply circular pressure on Chize and surrounding tender areas
3. Gently flex and extend the elbow while maintaining light pressure
4. Repeat 2–3 times daily

Intensity Guidelines

Goal	Pressure	Duration
Cough and Lung heat	Moderate to firm	1–2 min per arm
Elbow pain relief	Firm, circular	2–3 min per arm
General Lung health	Gentle	1 min per arm

Combination Points

Chize works well in combination with other points:

Combination	Purpose
Chize + Lieque (LU7)	Comprehensive Lung treatment — clear heat and regulate Qi
Chize + Hegu (LI4)	Clear upper body heat, treat sore throat and cough
Chize + Fenglong (ST40)	Clear Lung heat and transform phlegm
Chize + Qu Chi (LI11)	Elbow pain and arm conditions

Needling and Moxibustion Notes

• Needling: Perpendicular insertion, 0.5–1.0 cun. For bloodletting (pricking to draw a few drops of blood), it is highly effective for acute Lung heat and sore throat
• Moxibustion: Mild moxibustion for 5–10 minutes is appropriate for chronic elbow conditions; avoid strong moxibustion in acute heat patterns
• Bloodletting: Pricking Chize to release a few drops of blood is a classical technique for acute tonsillitis and severe Lung heat — this should only be performed by a qualified practitioner

The Five Element Perspective

Understanding Chize through Five Element theory deepens its clinical application:

• The Lung belongs to Metal
• Chize is the Water point on the Metal meridian
• Metal generates Water — so Chize is the Son point
• In the “Son reduces Mother” technique, stimulating Chize drains excess Lung energy
• This makes it the natural choice for excess Lung patterns — heat, phlegm, and cough

When the Lung is deficient (weak, chronic cough, pale complexion), other points like Tai Yuan (LU9, the Source point) would be more appropriate. Chize shines in excess conditions.

Precautions

• Pregnancy: Use with caution; strong stimulation should be avoided
• Bloodletting: Should only be performed by trained practitioners using sterile technique
• Deep needling: Avoid deep perpendicular insertion that could damage the brachial artery or median nerve
• Acute trauma: Do not needle directly over acute injuries or open wounds at the elbow

Key Takeaways

• Chize (LU5) is the He-Sea point of the Lung Meridian, located in the elbow crease
• It is the primary point for clearing Lung heat, stopping cough, and resolving phlegm
• Its Water-on-Metal nature makes it ideal for reducing excess Lung conditions
• It is also an important local point for elbow and forearm pain
• Bloodletting at Chize is a classical technique for acute tonsillitis (practitioner only)

Related Articles

• Lieque (LU7): The Lung’s Master Point
• Tai Yuan (LU9): The Source Point of the Lung
• Hegu (LI4): The Universal Healing Point