Location

at the wrist joint, in the depression between the radial artery and the tendon of abductor pollicis longus, level with Shenmen (H7).

Needling

perpendicular insertion 0.3 - 0.5 inch

moxa is OK

Actions

Tonifies the Lungs
Transforms phlegm
Promotes the descending function of the Lungs
Harmonizes the vessels
Activates the channel and alleviates pain

Signs and Symptoms

cough, asthma, sore throat, palpitations, pain in the chest, pain in the wrist and/or arm.

Commentary

Taiyuan is the Yuan Source point of the Lung Channel. A Yuan Source point is where Yuan or Source Qi gathers and collects. Yuan Qi, is the basic amount of Qi we are born with and depletes over the course of a life. It is also known as pre-heavenly Qi.

Since Taiyuan accesses Source Qi, it is the most effective point on the channel for tonifying the Lungs. It is recommended then, for deficiency conditions characterized by chronic weak cough or wheezing, shortness of breath, much yawning, heat in the palms of the hands spitting blood and the presence of phlegm and pain or discomfort in the chest.

According to ancient texts, Qi is the commander of Blood. Since the lungs are the primary organ for gathering Qi through breath and descending it into the body, the relative health of the Lungs will have an impact on the rest of the body through its function of energizing the blood with the Qi of breath.

Taiyuan is the Hui-Meeting Point of the vessels (arteries, veins, capilleries etc.). A Hui-Meeting Point is where the Qi of specific body structures gathers and collects. In this case, the vessels. The vessels are the blood's pathways to carry Qi throughout the body. Taiyuan is recommended for poor circulation and any disorder of the blood vessels including vomiting blood or coughing blood.

Taiyuan then is a primary point to promote proper circulation of blood in the body, both as the promoter of Qi (both Original Qi and Nutrient Qi from breath) and as the Hui-Meeting point of the Blood vessels.