The 'Heavenly Palace' of the Lung channel. Tianfu (LU-3) is where the Lung's Qi reaches upward toward Heaven — a point that calms the mind, clears the chest, and stops bleeding when Heat moves the Blood recklessly.
Contraindications
Tianfu (LU-3) is a safe point on the upper arm with no special contraindications. Use standard clean needle technique and keep to the recommended depth.
Name & story
The name 天府 Tianfu means 'Heavenly Palace' or 'Palace of Heaven'. In classical Chinese thought, the Lungs were called the 'Canopy of Heaven' — the highest organ in the body, closest to the sky. The word 府 (fǔ) means a palace, a treasury, a place where something precious is gathered and stored. So Tianfu is literally the palace where Heavenly Qi — the pure, refined air Qi that the Lungs gather with every breath — is received and housed. Just as a palace opens to receive a noble guest, this point opens the Lungs to the Qi of Heaven.
Point family & character
Tianfu (LU-3) belongs to the Lung Meridian (LU). It is also a Window of Heaven point — a special category of points said to connect the Qi of the head and the Qi of the body, and to have a strong influence on the mind and spirit (Shen).
Five-element dynamics
The Lung belongs to the Metal element, and Metal in Chinese medicine governs the taking in and the letting go — breathing in the new, releasing the old. The Lung is also the organ most closely linked to the Corporeal Soul (Po), the part of the spirit that is most physical and most tied to our instinct to be alive. When Metal is disturbed — by grief, by Heat, or by rebellious Qi — the Lung loses its composure, and the mind follows. Tianfu, as a Window of Heaven point, sits at the crossing point between the upper and lower, between Heaven and the body, and gently restores that communication.
Location
On the medial side of the upper arm, on the radial side of the biceps brachii muscle. Measure 3 Cun below the axillary fold (the crease of the armpit), directly in line with LU-1 and LU-2 above it.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies on the medial aspect of the upper arm, in the region of the biceps brachii muscle.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly, straight into the muscle.
Safe depth
Safe depth — 0.5–1 Cun.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Moxa can be used on this point. Gentle massage or acupressure along the inner upper arm following the course of the Lung Meridian (LU) is also beneficial.
Functions
Regulates and descends Lung Qi; Stops bleeding by clearing Heat from the Lung; Calms the Shen and benefits the Corporeal Soul (Po); Clears Heat from the Lung; Stops coughing and calms wheezing.
Indications
Cough, asthma and shortness of breath. Nosebleed (epistaxis) and coughing up blood — especially when caused by Heat. Pain and swelling of the inner arm along the course of the Lung Meridian (LU). Goitre. Forgetfulness and poor memory.
Mind & spirit (Shen)
As a Window of Heaven point, Tianfu has a particular relationship with the Shen and with the Corporeal Soul (Po). When grief, sadness or emotional shock disturbs the Lung, the spirit loses its grounding — there may be forgetfulness, a sense of disconnection, or a feeling that something vital has been lost. Tianfu, sitting in the 'Palace of Heaven' on the arm, helps reopen the channel between the body and the mind, gently settling the Shen and restoring a sense of presence and clarity.
Point combinations
With LU-6 (Kongzui) — for acute coughing of blood or nosebleed due to Heat in the Lung. With LU-7 (Lieque) — for cough and rebellious Lung Qi.
Clinical spotlight
Tianfu (LU-3) stands out for two reasons that set it apart from the other Lung points. First, it is one of the rare Lung Meridian (LU) points indicated for bleeding — particularly nosebleeds and haemoptysis caused by Heat forcing Blood recklessly upward and outward. Second, as a Window of Heaven point, it is one of the channel's connections to the Shen — making it relevant not only for physical chest and respiratory complaints, but also for emotional and mental disturbance linked to Lung pathology, such as grief-related disconnection or poor memory.
The golden tip
To find this point, sit with your arm relaxed at your side. Feel along the inner (medial) side of your upper arm, on the biceps muscle, and measure about three finger-widths down from the armpit crease. Gentle, firm massage here for a minute or two on each arm can help ease chest tightness and calm the breathing. For emotional heaviness or grief, slow, mindful breathing while pressing the point is a supportive practice.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.