4 Acupuncture Points of the Twelve Primary Channels
Location
In the 1st intercostal space (ICS), 2 cun lateral to the anterior
midline.
How to find
Palpating parasternally from superior to inferior, the 1st rib can be
palpated directly below the clavicle; in some cases, it can be com-
pletely hidden under the clavicle. Locate KID-26below the 1st rib
in the 1st ICS, 2 cun lateral to the midline. Located on the same
level (1st ICS) are ➞Ren-20(on the midline), ➞ST-14(4 cun
lateral to the midline) and ➞LU-1(6 cun lateral to the midline).
Needling
0.5–0.8 cun obliquely or transversely (subcutaneously) along the
course of the ICS or with or against the channel pathway. Caution:
Pneumothorax.
Actions/Indications
● Regulates the Lung Qi and transforms Phlegm
● Unbinds the chest
● Benefits the breasts
Special features
The Su Wendescribes points KID-22to KID-27as shupoints of
the chest, indicated for difficult breathing and disorders of the tho-
rax. They are particularly indicated for breathing difficulties due
to ‘excess above, deficiency below’, which refers to the inability
of the Kidneys to absorb the Qi that has descended from the Lung.
KID-26 Comfortable Chest YUZHONG
Ren-20
Ren-21
ST-14
ST-13
1st intercostal space
LU-2
1 cun
Midline
LU-1 Midline
KID-27
KID-26
KID-25
KID-24
KID-23
KID-22
Ren-17
2 cun
1st intercostal space
Ni 27
18
16
18
15
25
24
26
(^2218)
16
12
ST-9
19
17
SP- 20
14
Ren 22
25
22
19
8
20
17
12
6
Le 14
G.B.-24
16
LIV-13
14
15
Sterno-
costal angle
7 6 5 4 3 2 1 1
Umbilicus
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