Kidney 20 (KI 20) Fu Tong Gu — Abdomen Open Valley

This point, on the upper abdomen, harmonises the middle burner and relieves food stagnation and rebellious qi.

Kidney 20 (KI 20) Fu Tong Gu 腹通谷 — Abdomen Open Valley

Location

On the upper abdomen, 5 cun superior to the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline (lateral to REN-13).

Anatomy

On the rectus abdominis; the superior epigastric artery; the seventh intercostal nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Harmonises the middle burner and resolves food stagnation
  • Descends rebellious qi

Indications

Abdominal pain and distension, indigestion, vomiting, and palpitations.

Needling

0.5-0.8 cun, perpendicular insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With CV-12 for epigastric disorders.

Classical Text References

A meeting point with the Chong Mai.

Cautions & Contraindications

On the upper abdomen avoid deep insertion.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.