According to Deadman, which needling direction for LU-1 (zhong fu) poses a risk of pneumothorax?

LU-1, known as Zhong Fu, is located on the lung meridian at the lateral edge of the chest and is situated relatively close to the lung tissue. When needles are inserted deeply—specifically using a deep perpendicular or oblique direction—the needle can penetrate further toward the thoracic cavity, where the lungs reside, thereby increasing the risk of pneumothorax.

Pneumothorax is a medical condition that occurs when air enters the pleural space, which can result from deep needling in areas adjacent to the lungs. This risk is particularly relevant when considering the anatomy of the chest area and the proximity of LU-1 to the pleural cavity. Understanding these anatomical relationships is essential for safe acupuncture practice.

The other potential needling directions, such as perpendicular or superior oblique insertion, are less likely to cause pneumothorax because they may not penetrate as deeply into the thoracic cavity or may be directed away from the lung tissue. Similarly, perpendicular or transverse insertion and perpendicular or lateral insertion also do not pose the same level of risk as they generally keep the needle away from the deeper structures of the thoracic cavity.