Huagai REN-20
Chinese: 华盖
Pinyin: Huá Gài
Location
On the midline of the chest, on the level of the 1st intercostal space.
How to locate
Identify Shangzhong REN-17 in the middle of the two nipples, on the level of the 4th intercostal space. Locate the 1st intercostal space by counting three space up.
Or locate the 1st intercostal space by palpation or counting down from the clavicle. Huagai REN-20 is on the midline of the sternum.
Main actions
- Opens the chest and regulates Qi
- Descends the Qi
Needling
0.5 cun transversely in a superior or inferior direction along the Channel.
Caution: only transverse needling is recommended in order not to injure the mediastinum or the pleura, especially for patients with a sternal foramen.
Commentary for Huagai REN-20
The main function of this point is to open the chest and remove Qi Stagnation, so as to relieve pain and fullness in the chest and Lateral costal region. Often together with Qihu ST-13, it treats the lateral costal region pain.
It can be stimulated to descend Rebellious Qi so as to treat coughing, vomiting, wheezing, short of breath, and difficulties to swollen foods. Sometimes the patients are so short of breath that they aren't able to speak. In this case, apply Huagai REN-20 together with Shanzhong REN-17.