Today I would like to bring to attention an acupuncture point that is proving to be invaluable in my acupuncture clinical practice. Furthermore its effects seem to be far-reaching and expansive both on a meridian & constitutional level, with its effects on the body instantaneous. The acupuncture point I am alluding to is Chi Ze (cubit marsh/expansive marshland/LU5) which is found on the Lung meridian and is the fifth point down the meridian from Zhong Fu (LU1).
If we observe the Chinese characters used to depict this acupuncture point we will find that ‘Chi’ is drawn as a man showing the span of his hand, and thus depicts an expanse, distance or unit of measurement. ‘Ze’ is drawn as water and a pestle and thus relates to nourishment, fertile or enriching. Thus from the characters that the classical Chinese acupuncturists chose to depict this acupuncture point we find that the concept of ‘enrichment’ and ‘water’ are a strong theme present.
Now, Chize (Lung 5) is a ‘common’ acupuncture point that is used in a myriad of acupuncture styles. Many acupuncturists are familiar with the utilisation of this acupuncture point for its actions of ‘descending fullness in the chest’ and ‘clearing heat’. If we observe why these actions are attributed to this acupuncture point we find that chize (Lung 5) is the water point on the metal channel and thus for this reason it can be given the function of ‘clearing heat’. Furthermore, it is the ‘he-sea’ point which as the Nanjing (Classical acupuncture text) states ‘is used for rebellious qi’, thus if one has fullness in the chest (i.e. shortness of breath, asthma, cold/flu) this acupuncture point may be used to descend and alleviate said fullness.
As I stated, presented above are the ‘well known’ uses with basic theory relating to this acupuncture point (chize LU 5). I would like to also present some ways I utilise this acupuncture point and verify its effects through palpation and the resulting successful amelioration of the individual’s signs and symptoms.
Firstly, I too find that this acupuncture point has great application in the treatment of respiratory issues and as such can be used for the treatment of said conditions. I find this to be especially true when the fire point of the Lung meridian (yuji) is painful upon pressure, or when there is pressure pain or discomfort on the ‘mu’ region of zhongfu (Lung 1). Pressure pain on these acupuncture points reflects pathology present in the meridian or organ respectively and can be ameliorated through the use of Chize (Lung 5).
Another important yet less ‘well known’ application for the use of Chize (LU 5), as stated in “Kiiko Matsumoto’s Clinical Strategies”, is its use in the treatment of lower back pain. I have personally used this acupuncture point in treatment strategies for dealing with lower back pain and in particular in releasing the quadratus lumborum muscle. Again, in order for this acupuncture point to have the desired effect of releasing the quadratus lumborum muscle there needs to be pressure pain present on yuji (LU 10). The successful amelioration of pressure pain at yuji through the use of chize (LU 5) will result in the subsequent release of the quadratus lumborum muscle and the individuals lower back pain. If we look at the theory behind this effect we find that in Japan the thenar eminence (location of yuji LU 10), is described as the ‘kidney muscle’. Thus it is no surprise that it has a beneficial effect on the muscle that has a close anatomical connection the kidney organ (quadratus lumborum).
As always please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
Warm Regards,
Giancarlo Nerini - Licensed Acupuncturist
If we observe the Chinese characters used to depict this acupuncture point we will find that ‘Chi’ is drawn as a man showing the span of his hand, and thus depicts an expanse, distance or unit of measurement. ‘Ze’ is drawn as water and a pestle and thus relates to nourishment, fertile or enriching. Thus from the characters that the classical Chinese acupuncturists chose to depict this acupuncture point we find that the concept of ‘enrichment’ and ‘water’ are a strong theme present.
Now, Chize (Lung 5) is a ‘common’ acupuncture point that is used in a myriad of acupuncture styles. Many acupuncturists are familiar with the utilisation of this acupuncture point for its actions of ‘descending fullness in the chest’ and ‘clearing heat’. If we observe why these actions are attributed to this acupuncture point we find that chize (Lung 5) is the water point on the metal channel and thus for this reason it can be given the function of ‘clearing heat’. Furthermore, it is the ‘he-sea’ point which as the Nanjing (Classical acupuncture text) states ‘is used for rebellious qi’, thus if one has fullness in the chest (i.e. shortness of breath, asthma, cold/flu) this acupuncture point may be used to descend and alleviate said fullness.
As I stated, presented above are the ‘well known’ uses with basic theory relating to this acupuncture point (chize LU 5). I would like to also present some ways I utilise this acupuncture point and verify its effects through palpation and the resulting successful amelioration of the individual’s signs and symptoms.
Firstly, I too find that this acupuncture point has great application in the treatment of respiratory issues and as such can be used for the treatment of said conditions. I find this to be especially true when the fire point of the Lung meridian (yuji) is painful upon pressure, or when there is pressure pain or discomfort on the ‘mu’ region of zhongfu (Lung 1). Pressure pain on these acupuncture points reflects pathology present in the meridian or organ respectively and can be ameliorated through the use of Chize (Lung 5).
Another important yet less ‘well known’ application for the use of Chize (LU 5), as stated in “Kiiko Matsumoto’s Clinical Strategies”, is its use in the treatment of lower back pain. I have personally used this acupuncture point in treatment strategies for dealing with lower back pain and in particular in releasing the quadratus lumborum muscle. Again, in order for this acupuncture point to have the desired effect of releasing the quadratus lumborum muscle there needs to be pressure pain present on yuji (LU 10). The successful amelioration of pressure pain at yuji through the use of chize (LU 5) will result in the subsequent release of the quadratus lumborum muscle and the individuals lower back pain. If we look at the theory behind this effect we find that in Japan the thenar eminence (location of yuji LU 10), is described as the ‘kidney muscle’. Thus it is no surprise that it has a beneficial effect on the muscle that has a close anatomical connection the kidney organ (quadratus lumborum).
As always please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.
Warm Regards,
Giancarlo Nerini - Licensed Acupuncturist
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