The cooling fire-fighter of the Lung channel. Yuji (LU-10) clears Heat from the Lungs and soothes the throat — when a sudden fever, a raw sore throat, or a dry, urgent cough strikes, this small but powerful point on the palm is where to turn.
Contraindications
Yuji (LU-10) is a safe point for acupuncture at the stated depth. No special contraindications are noted in the classical sources. Standard clean-needle technique applies.
Name & story
The name 鱼际 Yuji means "Fish Border" — and once you see the palm, the image is obvious. The fleshy mound at the base of the thumb is plump and rounded, like the belly of a fish. The point sits right at the edge of that mound, at the border between the darker skin of the palm and the lighter skin of the back of the hand — the "shore" where the fish meets the water. It is a small, vivid piece of classical Chinese observation: name a point by what you see, and you will never forget where it lives.
Point family & character
Yuji (LU-10) belongs to the Lung Meridian (LU). In its elemental character it is the Ying-Spring point of the channel. In Five-Element theory, the Ying-Spring points are associated with Fire — which gives Yuji (LU-10) its particular gift: clearing Heat and Fire from the Lung, cooling what is burning and restoring what the heat has dried out.
Five-element dynamics
The Lung Meridian (LU) belongs to Metal, and Metal's great vulnerability is Fire — Heat that scorches the delicate, moist tissue of the Lungs and throat. As the Ying-Spring and Fire point of a Metal channel, Yuji (LU-10) is perfectly placed to meet that threat. It draws the Fire out, clears the Heat, and restores the smooth, downward flow of Lung Qi that Heat disrupts. Where the Lung is dry, raw and inflamed, this point cools and soothes.
Location
Find the fleshy mound at the base of your thumb on the palm side. Yuji (LU-10) sits at the midpoint of that mound, right where the paler skin of the back of the hand meets the darker skin of the palm — exactly on the border, at the level of the middle of the first metacarpal bone.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies on the palm, at the midpoint of the first metacarpal bone, on the radial side, at the border between the red (palm) and white (back of hand) skin — the thenar eminence, the fleshy muscle pad at the base of the thumb.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly. A sensation of local soreness and distension is expected, and it may radiate toward the thumb. Bleeding with a three-edged needle is also a classical method, especially for acute Heat conditions.
Safe depth
0.3–0.5 Cun perpendicularly.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Moxibustion is possible — 3 to 5 small cones are a classical guideline. However, given this point's primary role in clearing Heat, moxa is used with care and is more suited to Cold patterns. Firm acupressure or massage on the thenar mound can help relieve a sore throat or dry cough in everyday situations. Bleeding technique with a three-edged needle is a traditional approach for acute febrile conditions.
Functions
Clears Heat from the Lungs; Disperses Wind-Heat; Diffuses Lung Qi and soothes the throat; Relieves loss of voice; Clears Fire from the Ying-Spring level.
Indications
Acute and febrile Lung conditions: cough, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), dry or sore throat, pharyngitis, loss of voice. Fever in Lung febrile diseases. Infantile malnutrition. Any condition where Heat is lodged in the Lung channel — sudden, acute, and with heat signs.
Mind & spirit (Shen)
The Lungs in Chinese medicine hold the Po — the corporeal soul, the instinctive breath of life. When Heat invades the Lungs, breathing becomes laboured and the voice is lost; a person cannot speak, cannot express themselves, and something quietly panics inside. Yuji (LU-10), by cooling and clearing, restores the breath and the voice — and with the voice, a little calm returns. It is not a primary Shen point, but in the raw distress of a burning throat and a lost voice, its relief is felt in the spirit too.
Point combinations
With LU-11 (Shaoshang) — for acute, severe sore throat and fever; both points may be bled for rapid Heat-clearing. With LU-5 (Chize) — to clear Heat from the Lung channel and relieve cough with fever. With LU-6 (Kongzui) — for acute cough, hemoptysis and urgent Lung Heat conditions.
Clinical spotlight
Yuji (LU-10) is the go-to point when Lung Heat is acute and the throat is the battlefield. Its identity as the Ying-Spring and Fire point of the Lung Meridian (LU) makes it uniquely suited to pulling Heat out of the Metal organ. Classical texts highlight its use in febrile Lung diseases — conditions that arrive fast, burn hot, and threaten the throat and voice. The bleeding technique, applied here in acute cases, is one of TCM's most direct methods of Heat-clearing: quick, precise and effective. Clinicians prize this small palm point for exactly those moments when something needs to cool down fast.
The golden tip
When a sore throat or dry, scratchy cough arrives with a sense of heat or fever, find the fleshy mound at the base of your thumb. Yuji (LU-10) sits at the middle of that mound, right on the border between palm and back of hand. Press firmly with the opposite thumb and massage in small circles for 1–2 minutes. It can be done on both hands. This is a safe, simple home measure for early-stage throat discomfort or a dry, hot cough — but for high fever or severe illness, always seek professional care.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.