Central Treasury
中府 Zhōng Fǔ · LU-1
About LU-1 Central Treasury
LU-1 Zhongfu is the front-mu (alarm) point of the Lung, making it one of the most diagnostically and therapeutically important points on the Lung meridian. As the mu point, it reflects the condition of the Lung organ directly -- tenderness here often indicates Lung pathology before other symptoms manifest. It is also the meeting point of the Lung and Spleen meridians, giving it a unique role in addressing the Lung-Spleen relationship that governs qi production and fluid metabolism.
In classical Chinese medicine, the Lung is called the 'tender organ' because it is the most externally exposed of the yin organs, directly interfacing with the outside world through respiration. Zhongfu sits at the gateway of this interface, governing the Lung's ability to disperse and descend qi. When this function is impaired -- by external pathogens, emotional grief, or chronic phlegm accumulation -- qi stagnates in the chest, producing cough, wheezing, and a sensation of fullness or oppression.
The name 'Central Treasury' refers to the point's role as a storehouse of qi. The Lung receives the clear qi of heaven through breath and combines it with the food qi (gu qi) sent upward by the Spleen to form gathering qi (zong qi), which collects in the chest. Zhongfu is where this vital process is most accessible to therapeutic intervention.
How to Find This Point
Place your opposite hand on your chest with the thumb pointing up. Find the hollow below the outer end of the collarbone, then move one rib space down and slightly outward. The point is in the soft depression between the first and second ribs, roughly where the chest meets the front of the shoulder.
Technique
Apply moderate pressure with the thumb or middle finger in a circular motion. Press inward toward the chest wall at a slight angle. Combine with slow, deep breathing for best effect.
Pressure & Duration
Moderate pressure for 1-3 minutes per side.
Benefits
Opens the chest, regulates Lung qi descent, relieves cough and wheezing, disperses fullness in the chest, supports grief processing
Indications
Cough, asthma, chest congestion, shortness of breath, shoulder pain radiating to the chest, bronchitis, emotional grief or sadness held in the chest
TCM Actions
Disperses and descends Lung qi, transforms phlegm, clears heat from the chest, regulates the Water Passages, front-mu point of the Lung
Self-Care Use
Press gently when experiencing chest tightness, shallow breathing, or emotional heaviness. This is a good point to stimulate during a cold when the chest feels congested. Combine with deep diaphragmatic breathing -- press on the exhale, release on the inhale.
Contraindications & Cautions
Avoid deep needling or very firm pressure due to proximity to the lung apex. Do not press hard in individuals with emphysema or history of pneumothorax. Pregnant women should use only gentle pressure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the LU-1 Central Treasury acupressure point located?
LU-1 Central Treasury (Zhōng Fǔ) is located at: On the lateral aspect of the chest, in the first intercostal space, 6 cun lateral to the anterior midline, 1 cun below LU-2 (Yunmen). Place your opposite hand on your chest with the thumb pointing up. Find the hollow below the outer end of the collarbone, then move one rib space down and slightly outward. The point is in the soft de
How long should I press LU-1 Central Treasury?
Apply moderate pressure to LU-1 for 1-3 minutes per side. Apply moderate pressure with the thumb or middle finger in a circular motion. Press inward toward the chest wall at a slight angle. Combine with slow, deep breathing for best effect.
What are the benefits of stimulating LU-1 Central Treasury?
Opens the chest, regulates Lung qi descent, relieves cough and wheezing, disperses fullness in the chest, supports grief processing
Is it safe to do acupressure on LU-1 at home?
Press gently when experiencing chest tightness, shallow breathing, or emotional heaviness. This is a good point to stimulate during a cold when the chest feels congested. Combine with deep diaphragmat Cautions: Avoid deep needling or very firm pressure due to proximity to the lung apex. Do not press hard in individuals with emphysema or history of pneumothora
Which meridian does LU-1 belong to?
LU-1 Central Treasury belongs to the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian, which is associated with the Metal element. Its TCM actions include: Disperses and descends Lung qi, transforms phlegm, clears heat from the chest, regulates the Water Passages, front-mu point of the Lung