Chize
尺泽 · Chǐ Zé
Chize (LU5, 尺泽) is a point on the Lung meridian. Location, functions, classical indications, and needling reference.
Last reviewed May 2026
About Chize (LU5)
The name Chize means “Cubit Marsh” — a marsh because qi and water pool in the soft depression at the elbow, and cubit (chi) for the forearm-length measure that the Chinese took from this crease. The water-image is no accident: among the five-shu points, LU5 is the He-Sea point, where the channel’s qi is said to enter most deeply, as a river enters the sea.
Its five-phase assignment makes it the Water point of the Lung, a Metal channel. Because Metal generates Water in the engendering cycle, LU5 is classically the draining or “son” point of the Lung — the point reached for to clear and cool an over-full or heated Lung, and to bring its qi downward. This is why the tradition turns to it so consistently for hot, productive cough and for dryness that needs moistening.
On the channel it marks the transition from arm to forearm and the deepest of the elbow’s shu-points. The combination of a clearly defined classical category, a clear cooling-and-descending action, and an easily located resting place at the elbow makes Chize one of the most used and most teachable points of the Hand Taiyin line.
He-Sea point; Water point of the Lung; sedation (son) point · Five-phase: Water (He-Sea)
What are the functions of Chize in TCM?
In TCM this point is classically described as clearing and draining heat from the Lung, descending rebellious Lung qi, transforming phlegm, and — as the Water point of a Metal channel — moistening dryness and benefiting the descending, cooling function of the Lung. It is also a noted local point for the elbow.
What is Chize classically indicated for?
Classically indicated for cough with thick or hot phlegm, asthma and wheezing, sore and dry throat, spitting of blood, fullness of the chest, fever, and for pain and spasm of the elbow and arm.
Where is Chize located?
The WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations places LU5 at the elbow, on the cubital crease, in the depression lateral (radial) to the tendon of the biceps brachii.
Lies at the cubital crease on the radial side of the biceps tendon, over the brachioradialis and supinator; the radial nerve and the radial recurrent vessels run nearby.
Needling reference
Educational reference only — describing how classical and standard texts characterize this point, not clinical instruction.
Standard references describe perpendicular insertion to roughly 0.5–1.0 cun, with awareness of the radial neurovascular structures at the elbow. The point is away from the thorax, so there is no pneumothorax caution.
What are the cautions for Chize?
No pneumothorax risk. General cautions for the elbow neurovasculature apply in standard references.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Chize (LU5) acupoint located?
Chize (LU5, 尺泽) is a point on the Lung meridian, in the forearm region. The WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations places LU5 at the elbow, on the cubital crease, in the depression lateral (radial) to the tendon of the biceps brachii.
What does the Chize acupoint do in TCM?
In TCM this point is classically described as clearing and draining heat from the Lung, descending rebellious Lung qi, transforming phlegm, and — as the Water point of a Metal channel — moistening dryness and benefiting the descending, cooling function of the Lung. It is also a noted local point for the elbow.
What is Chize (LU5) classically indicated for?
Classically indicated for cough with thick or hot phlegm, asthma and wheezing, sore and dry throat, spitting of blood, fullness of the chest, fever, and for pain and spasm of the elbow and arm.
What is the Chinese name for LU5?
LU5 is Chize — 尺泽, pinyin Chǐ Zé. Classical category: He-Sea point; Water point of the Lung; sedation (son) point.
How is Chize (LU5) needled?
Standard references describe perpendicular insertion to roughly 0.5–1.0 cun, with awareness of the radial neurovascular structures at the elbow. The point is away from the thorax, so there is no pneumothorax caution.