Kidney Channel

Yuzhong KID-26

Chinese: 彧中

Pinyin: Yù Zhōng

Location

In the 1st intercostal space, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. 

How to locate

First identify the first rib directly below the clavicle. Then locate Yuzhong KID-26 in the 1st intercostal space below the 1st rib and 2 cun lateral to the midline. 

Huagai REN-20 is at the level of the 1st intercostal space but on the anterior midline. 

Main actions

  1. Subdues Rebellious Lung and Stomach Qi
  2. Opens the chest and benefits the breasts

Indications

Asthma Coughing Wheezing Dyspnoea Vomiting Drooling Palpitation Much spittle Breast lumps Coughing blood Chest fullness Chest distension Difficulty swallowing Pityriasis versicolor Lateral costal region fullness

Needling

0.5–0.8 cun obliquely or transversely along the course of the intercostal space or with or against the channel pathway.

Caution: Pneumothorax

Commentary for Yuzhong KID-26

For all the Kidney Channel points in the various intercostal spaces of the chest (from Bulang KID-22 to Shufu KID-27), they share similar actions of descending Rebellious Lung or Stomach Qi.

Therefore, they are indicated for symptoms such as wheezing, dyspnoea or coughing by harmonizing the Qi Excess in the upper part of the body and Qi Deficiency in the lower part. This Qi imbalance happens because the Kidney is not strong enough to receive Lung Qi. 

On top of above indications, Yuzhong KID-26 is also able to invigorates Qi of the breasts.