A quiet but capable point on the Lung channel. Xiabai (LU-4) opens the chest, calms the lungs and eases the heart — when the breath is tight and the chest feels closed, this point gently parts the way.
Contraindications
Xiabai (LU-4) is a safe point on the upper arm with no major structures at risk at normal needling depth. Simply keep to the stated depth and clean technique.
Name & story
The name 侠白 Xiabai carries a beautiful image: 侠 (xia) means "flanking" or "to stand alongside", and 白 (bai) means "white". White is the colour of the Lung in Chinese medicine — the Metal element, autumn, and the quality of clear, pure air. So Xiabai could be read as "Flanking the White", as though the point stands protectively beside the lung itself, guarding and supporting the organ it belongs to. There is something quietly loyal about that image — a steadfast companion at the side of the lungs.
Point family & character
Xiabai (LU-4) belongs to the Lung Meridian (LU). It does not hold a special classical category such as Yuan Source or He-Sea, but it is a recognised point on the channel with a clear local and systemic role in supporting the lung's descending and diffusing functions.
Five-element dynamics
The Lung is the Yin organ of the Metal element — the organ that governs the breath, takes in pure Qi from the air, and sends it downward through the body. Metal in Chinese medicine is associated with the colour white, with autumn, with letting go and with the skin. Xiabai, sitting on the inner arm along the Lung Meridian (LU), directly reflects this quality: it helps the Lung do its essential work of descending Qi, clearing the chest, and keeping the breath flowing freely.
Location
On the medial aspect of the upper arm, on the Lung Meridian (LU), 4 Cun below the anterior axillary fold, or 5 Cun above the cubital crease. It lies on the radial side of the biceps brachii muscle.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies on the inner (medial) surface of the upper arm, in the region of the biceps brachii muscle.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly (straight in).
Safe depth
Safe depth — 0.5–1 Cun.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Moxa is appropriate at this point, particularly in patterns of Cold obstructing the chest or Cold constricting the lungs. Gentle acupressure or massage along the inner arm following the Lung Meridian (LU) pathway can also support the point's action in releasing chest tightness.
Functions
Descends Lung Qi and opens the chest; Relieves cough and shortness of breath; Unbinds the chest and calms pain in the cardiac region; Regulates Qi in the Upper Burner.
Indications
Cough, shortness of breath and a feeling of fullness or oppression in the chest. Pain in the medial aspect of the upper arm along the channel pathway. Palpitations and discomfort in the heart region. Nausea and vomiting.
Mind & spirit (Shen)
The chest, in Chinese medicine, is the residence of two great spirits — the Lung houses the Po (the corporeal soul), and the Heart houses the Shen. When the chest is tight and the breath constrained, neither can rest easily. Xiabai, by opening and releasing the chest and descending the Lung Qi, creates space — and where there is space, the breath deepens, the Heart calms, and the Shen can settle. It is a quiet point for quiet moments: when anxiety has made the chest close in and the breath grow shallow, this point gently reminds the body to open and let go.
Point combinations
With LU-1 (Zhongfu) — to strengthen the descending of Lung Qi and relieve chest fullness and cough. With LU-7 (Lieque) — to release the surface, dispel Wind and ease cough and shortness of breath.
Clinical spotlight
Xiabai (LU-4) is not among the most frequently cited points in classical literature, but its position on the Lung Meridian (LU) along the inner arm gives it a clear and direct role in chest complaints. It is particularly valued for its ability to ease that heavy, bound feeling in the chest — the sense that the lungs cannot quite fully expand. Its secondary action on the heart region makes it a thoughtful choice when chest tightness accompanies palpitations, linking the Lung and Heart in the Upper Burner.
The golden tip
Find LU-4 on the inner surface of the upper arm, about a hand's width below the armpit crease, along the line running toward the thumb side of the elbow. Firm, slow pressure here — held for a minute or two — can help ease a tight chest and encourage a deeper breath. It is a good point to find during moments of shallow, anxious breathing: press gently and breathe slowly and fully while you hold it.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.