Futonggu Point (KI-20 / Abdominal Valley of Passage, commonly known as Tonggu)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Futonggu (KI-20 / Abdominal Valley of Passage). Learn its benefits for abdominal pain, vomiting, heart pain, palpitations, and epilepsy – the meeting point of Kidney and Chong – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Abdominal pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, chest pain, heart pain, palpitations, poor appetite, epilepsy, and cough with qi counterflow.
Precise Location
In the upper abdomen, 5 cun above the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. Measure 6 finger-widths (approximately 5 cun) upward from the umbilicus – the point is 0.5 cun (about half a finger-width) lateral to the midline, 0.5 cun lateral to Zhongwan (RN-12), where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Futonggu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat epigastric distension with pain, vomiting, and heart pain. Therapeutic actions: Strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, regulates qi and descends rebellious qi, soothes the chest and calms the heart.
Compatibility
Epilepsy: Combine with Shenmai (BL-62) and Zhaohai (KI-6). Epigastric distension with pain and vomiting: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Neiguan (PC-6). Abdominal pain and distension: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Zusanli (ST-36). Heart pain and palpitations: Combine with Xinshu (BL-15), Shenmen (HT-7), and Neiguan (PC-6). Cough with qi counterflow: Combine with Feishu (BL-13), Tanzhong (RN-17), and Tiantu (RN-22).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and is the meeting point of the Kidney Meridian and the Chong Vessel. It strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, regulates qi and descends rebellious qi, soothes the chest and calms the heart. It is a commonly used key point for treating spleen-stomach, heart-chest, and mental disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. “Tong” means to pass through or connect; “Gu” means valley, also referring to food and drink. Located in the upper abdomen, this point is where Kidney Meridian qi passes through the region of food and drink – hence the name Futonggu (Abdominal Valley of Passage), commonly abbreviated as Tonggu. It is also known as “Tonggu.”
Contraindications
This point is commonly referred to as “Futonggu” to distinguish it from “Zutonggu” (BL-66) on the Bladder Meridian. They are different points with different locations and indications and should not be confused in clinical practice.
