LU3 Celestial Palace

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

LU3 (Tianfu, “Celestial Palace”) is the Window of Heaven point of the Lung Channel of Hand Taiyin Meridian. It is located on the anteromedial aspect of the upper arm, 3 cun inferior to the anterior axillary fold, on the radial side of the biceps brachii muscle, in a palpable depression over the brachial artery. It clears Lung heat, cools the blood, calms the spirit, and pacifies wind.

Location

On the anteromedial aspect of the upper arm, 3 cun inferior to the anterior axillary fold, on the radial side of the biceps brachii muscle, in a palpable depression over the brachial artery.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun. Avoid the brachial artery by palpating and displacing it before needling.

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TCM functions

Clears Lung heat, cools the blood, calms the spirit, and pacifies wind..

Indications

Sudden attack of pernicious wind and evil qi, possession by ghosts and spirits (feishi, guizhu), ghost talk (guiyu), corpse collapse (dunshi), inability to rest peacefully, weeping with sorrow and ghost talk, sudden bleeding from the nose and mouth due to conflict between Liver and Lung, persistent nosebleed, wind-induced sweating, body swelling, wheezing, inability to catch one's breath, malaria with chills and fever, dizziness, forgetfulness, excessive weeping, goiter, far-sightedness, drowsiness, mental confusion..

Window of Heaven

Clinical notes

Classically, Tianfu is a primary point for sudden, severe conditions with a spiritual or psychological component, such as spirit possession, mania, and sudden collapse. It is also a key point for acute bleeding disorders, especially nosebleeds, by cooling the blood and descending Lung Qi. Its designation as a Window of Heaven point underscores its ability to regulate the flow of Qi and spirit between the head and the body, treating conditions like forgetfulness, weeping, and goiter.

On the Lung Channel of Hand Taiyin channel

LU3 is one of 11 points on the Lung Channel of Hand Taiyin Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is LU3 located?

LU3 (Tianfu) is located on the anteromedial aspect of the upper arm, 3 cun inferior to the anterior axillary fold, on the radial side of the biceps brachii muscle, in a palpable depression over the brachial artery.

What is LU3 used for?

LU3 clears Lung heat, cools the blood, calms the spirit, and pacifies wind. Common clinical indications include sudden attack of pernicious wind and evil qi, possession by ghosts and spirits (feishi, guizhu), ghost talk (guiyu), corpse collapse (dunshi), inability to rest peacefully, weeping with sorrow and ghost talk, sudden bleeding from the nose and mouth due to conflict between Liver and Lung, persistent nosebleed, wind-induced sweating, body swelling, wheezing, inability to catch one's breath, malaria with chills and fever, dizziness, forgetfulness, excessive weeping, goiter, far-sightedness, drowsiness, mental confusion.

How is LU3 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun. Avoid the brachial artery by palpating and displacing it before needling. Caution: Moxibustion is contraindicated as it may cause rebellious Qi (Jia Yi Jing, Tong Ren, Qian Jin Yao Fang). The Huangdi Neijing mentions a major prohibition point 'at Tianfu, five cun below'.

Which meridian is LU3 on?

LU3 is a point on the Lung Channel of Hand Taiyin Meridian (Shǒu Tàiyīn Fèijīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.