Who is this article for?

This article is for readers who want a practical, beginner-friendly understanding of this TCM acupoint.

Can this article replace professional medical advice?

No. This content is educational only and should not replace diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.

Tai Yuan (LU9 太渊): The Great Abyss — TCM's Source Point for Lung Qi and the Pulse

Introduction to Tai Yuan

Tai Yuan (太渊 LU9), meaning “Great Abyss,” is one of the most significant acupoints on the Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin. It carries a remarkable set of distinctions — it is the source point (原穴) of the Lung, the meeting point of all vessels (脉会), and the shu-stream point (输穴) of the Lung Meridian.

The name “Great Abyss” evokes the deep pool where the body’s Qi gathers — a fitting image for a point that serves as a convergence for the entire vessel system and a direct gateway to the Lung’s deepest energy.

Attribute	Detail
Meridian	Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin (手太阴肺经)
Point type	Source point (原穴), Shu-stream point (输穴), Vessel meeting point (脉会)
Five Element	Earth (土) — the son point on a Metal meridian
Command region	Lungs, chest, throat, pulse, wrist

Location

Tai Yuan is located on the anterior aspect of the wrist:

Standard location: At the radial end of the transverse crease of the wrist, in the depression on the radial side of the radial artery, at the base of the thumb
Easy method: Place your index finger on the wrist crease at the base of the thumb side — feel for the pulse (radial artery). The point is just lateral to the pulse, in the small hollow between the tendon and the bone

Pro tip: This is where TCM practitioners traditionally feel the pulse at the cun position (寸部). The point is literally beneath the fingertips during pulse diagnosis.

Key Functions

1. Tonify Lung Qi

As the Lung’s source point, Tai Yuan directly accesses the Lung’s original Qi. This makes it the premier point for Lung Qi deficiency:

Shortness of breath
Weak, quiet voice
Reluctance to speak
Spontaneous sweating
Susceptibility to colds

2. Regulate and Unblock the Vessels

As the meeting point of all vessels (脉会), Tai Yuan has a unique relationship with the entire circulatory system. It is used for:

Weak, thready, or irregular pulse
Blood circulation problems
Cold hands and fingers
Vascular health support

3. Resolve Phlegm and Stop Cough

Tai Yuan treats respiratory conditions by strengthening the Lung’s descending function:

Chronic cough
Asthma and wheezing
Phlegm in the throat
Cough that worsens with exertion

4. Relieve Wrist and Thumb Pain

Locally, Tai Yuan treats conditions of the wrist and hand:

Wrist pain and stiffness
Thumb pain
Tendinitis of the wrist
Carpal tunnel syndrome (as supporting point)

Clinical Applications

Chronic Cough and Asthma

For Lung Qi deficiency patterns with chronic respiratory symptoms:

Acupressure: Press Tai Yuan gently for 2–3 minutes on each wrist
Combined with: Feishu (BL13) and Lieque (LU7) for comprehensive Lung support
Breathing exercise: Press Tai Yuan while doing slow, deep abdominal breathing

Weak Pulse and Circulation

As the vessel meeting point, Tai Yuan is indicated when the pulse is weak:

Post-illness weakness with forceless pulse
Chronic fatigue with cold extremities
Elderly patients with declining circulation

Voice and Throat

The Lung Meridian passes through the throat, and Tai Yuan supports vocal function:

Hoarseness from overuse
Weak, quiet voice
Loss of voice after illness

Wrist Pain

For local wrist and thumb conditions:

De Quervain’s tenosynovitis — pain at the base of the thumb
Wrist sprain — especially on the radial side
Repetitive strain from typing or writing

Acupressure Self-Care

Technique

Position: Rest your forearm on a table, palm facing up
Locate: Feel the wrist crease at the thumb side — find the small hollow next to the pulse
Press: Use the tip of your opposite thumb, pressing gently (do not press directly on the artery)
Motion: Apply steady pressure with small circular motions
Duration: 2–3 minutes per wrist
Intensity: A mild, dull ache is normal — the point should not feel sharp or painful

Recommended Routines

Condition	Pressure Time	Frequency
Chronic cough	2–3 minutes per wrist	2–3 times daily
Weak voice	1–2 minutes per wrist	Before and after speaking
Wrist pain	2 minutes affected side	3 times daily
General Lung support	1–2 minutes per wrist	Morning and evening
Circulation support	2 minutes per wrist	Daily

Moxibustion on Tai Yuan

Moxibustion over Tai Yuan is effective for:

Lung Qi deficiency — chronic weakness, frequent colds
Cold-type cough — cough worsened by cold, with clear phlegm
Cold hands — poor peripheral circulation

Apply mild moxa for 5–10 minutes per point. Because the point is near the radial artery, use indirect moxa (moxa stick held above the skin) rather than direct moxa cones.

Key Combinations

Combination	Purpose
Tai Yuan + Feishu (BL13)	Lung Qi deficiency, chronic cough
Tai Yuan + Lieque (LU7)	Respiratory conditions, throat issues
Tai Yuan + Zusanli (ST36)	General Qi tonification
Tai Yuan + Neiguan (PC6)	Chest oppression, palpitations
Tai Yuan + Hegu (LI4)	Exterior-releasing, common cold prevention
Tai Yuan + Shenmen (HT7)	Anxiety with shallow breathing

Precautions

Situation	Guidance
Pulse assessment	Do not press too firmly — avoid compressing the radial artery
Active infection	Do not needle during active respiratory infection; acupressure is gentler
Wrist injury	Use caution with acute wrist trauma; consult a practitioner
Anticoagulant use	If on blood thinners, use very gentle pressure only

Key Takeaways

Tai Yuan (LU9) is the Lung’s source point — the most direct access to Lung Qi
It is the meeting point of all vessels (脉会), making it unique for pulse and circulation issues
Excellent for chronic cough, weak voice, and Lung Qi deficiency
Locally useful for wrist and thumb pain
Press gently — this point sits beside the radial artery

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Acupuncture should be performed by a licensed practitioner. If you experience persistent cough, breathing difficulty, or irregular pulse, seek medical evaluation.