Governing Vessel 9 (DU 9) Zhi Yang — Reaching Yang

This point, at the lower border of the scapulae, resolves damp-heat, benefits jaundice and regulates the chest and diaphragm.

Governing Vessel 9 (DU 9) Zhi Yang 至陽 — Reaching Yang

Location

On the back, in the depression below the spinous process of the seventh thoracic vertebra (T7), at the level of the inferior angles of the scapulae.

Anatomy

On the supraspinous and interspinous ligaments; the seventh intercostal arterial branch; the medial branch of the dorsal ramus of the seventh thoracic nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Resolves damp-heat and benefits jaundice and the gall bladder
  • Regulates the chest and diaphragm
  • Strengthens the back

Indications

Jaundice, fullness and pain of the chest and costal region, cough and asthma, and back pain and stiffness.

Needling

0.5-1.0 cun, oblique upward insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With GB-34 and LV-14 for jaundice and damp-heat.

Classical Text References

A point of the Du Mai, classically for jaundice.

Cautions & Contraindications

Needle obliquely; the spinal cord lies deep.

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

Traditional Chinese Medicine Improves Nutritional Status in Maintenance Haemodialysis Patients, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in improving nutritional status among Chinese maintenance hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis of - Frontiers in nutrition, 2026.