There are over 2,000 acupuncture points on the human body. Each one has its own unique function and effect, and can be used in particular combinations to create the perfect recipe for health and healing. For example, to boost immunity during winter flu season.
Lung 7 is an important point located just above the wrist. Also known as Lie Que, which translates from Chinese as “Broken Sequence,” it addresses lung conditions and regulates the immune system. When stimulated, Lung 7 treats sore throats, chest congestion, chest colds, cold and flu symptoms, asthma, rattling cough with phlegm, and nasal congestion. Lung 7 can affect help head and neck pain, toothache, poor memory, urogenital issues, local wrist issues such as tendonitis and inflammation, and melancholy. In essence, it helps with everything you may be going through in the dead of winter.
All acupuncture points have traditional Chinese names that describe the point’s actions, location, or theory of energetic movement. Where does Lung 7’s name, Broken Sequence, come from? It is derived from an ancient term for lighting. The meaning is further illuminated in A Manual of Acupuncture by Peter Deadman, Mazin Al- Khafaji and Kevin Baker: “The name can be understood in three ways: i. the electric sensation that may be generated when needling this point, ii. the ability of Lu 7 to clear heaviness and oppression of the chest in the way that a lightning storm clears the sky, and iii. the sudden fork in the Lung channel at this point.”
Just as a note to the last point, the energetic flow of the Lung meridian branches at Lung 7 to connect with another meridian, the Large Intestine meridian — hence, the Broken Sequence.
You don’t need to see an acupuncturist to feel the benefit of stimulating Lung 7. For self acu-pressure, press Lung 7 firmly or use a circular motion to massage the area. (You can find the point by following the diagram above.)
If you want to find it exactly, the precise location is 1.5 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist. What the heck is a cun (also known as tsun)? A cun is a traditional Chinese unit of length that is relative to each individual. Its measurement equals the width of a person’s thumb at the interphalangeal joint—the bendable joint of the thumb furthest from the body. In acupuncture, cuns are used to find acupuncture point locations.
That’s Lung 7 in a nutshell!
Come in for some preventative or prescriptive acupuncture during this cold and flu season When you do, mention that you’d like to target Lu 7. We’ll be impressed!
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.