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This point, at the suprasternal notch, is a principal point for the throat. It descends rebellious Lung qi, relieves cough, asthma and wheezing, benefits the voice and dissipates phlegm nodules.
Location
On the neck, on the anterior midline, in the centre of the suprasternal fossa (above the sternal notch).
Anatomy
In the suprasternal fossa; the jugular arch and, deep, the trachea and the arch of the aorta below; the anterior cutaneous nerve of the neck.
Actions & Functions
- Descends rebellious Lung qi and relieves cough, asthma and wheezing
- Benefits the throat and the voice
- Dissipates phlegm nodules (goitre)
Indications
Asthma, cough and wheezing, sore throat and loss of voice, plum-stone throat (globus), goitre, and hiccup and difficulty swallowing.
Needling
First insert 0.2 cun perpendicularly, then direct the needle downward behind the sternum, 0.5-1.0 cun, keeping close to the posterior aspect of the sternum.
Moxibustion Suitability
Suitable for moxibustion.
Point Combinations
With LU-7 and REN-17 for asthma; with REN-23 for the throat and voice.
Classical Text References
A meeting point with the Yin Wei Mai; the chief local point for the throat.
Cautions & Contraindications
DANGER POINT: after the initial insertion, angle the needle downward and keep it close behind the sternum. Do not angle deeply backward or laterally - the trachea and great vessels lie beneath.
Latest Research
Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.
