The Cun: How to find Acupuncture Points

One of the most basic and utilized concepts in Chinese medicine is the “cun”. It is the unit of relative measurement used to determine landmarks of the body and locate meridians and acupuncture points. It’s “relative” because there is no fixed distance of a cun. It is unique to each person’s body proportions, very holistic :). Use your own body, to measure your body! Use your own body, to heal you body!

1 cun

width of thumb

1.5 cun

2 finger-widths: index and middle fingers combined

2 cun

3 finger-widths: index, middle, and ring fingers combined

3 cun

4 finger-widths: index, middle, ring, and pinky fingers combined

8 cun: midline to lateral end of clavicle (collarbone)

8 cun: top of xyphoid process (cartilage tip at bottom of sternum) to navel

5 cun: navel to pubic bone

9 cun: armpit to elbow crease

12 cun: elbow crease to wrist crease