Xuanji Point (RN-21 / Star Pivot)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Xuanji (RN-21 / Star Pivot). Learn its benefits for cough, wheezing, chest fullness, and sore throat – the Conception Vessel point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Cough, wheezing, chest and hypochondriac fullness, chest pain, sore throat, throat obstruction, and chest tightness.
Precise Location
On the chest, 1 cun below the suprasternal fossa, on the anterior midline – 1 finger-width downward from Tiantu (RN-22) along the anterior midline.
Location Method
Lie supine. On the anterior midline, first locate Tiantu (RN-22, at the center of the suprasternal fossa), then measure 1 finger-width (approximately 1 cun) downward – that is the point.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Xuanji with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat cough and wheezing. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the chest and regulates qi, disperses lung qi and stops cough, descends rebellious qi and relieves wheezing, and benefits the throat and opens the orifices.
Compatibility
Throat obstruction with swelling: Combine with Jiuwei (RN-15). Cough and wheezing: Combine with Feishu (BL-13) and Tiantu (RN-22). Chest and hypochondriac fullness, chest pain: Combine with Danzhong (RN-17) and Zhigou (TE-6). Chest tightness: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Danzhong (RN-17).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) and is located 1 cun below the suprasternal fossa on the anterior midline of the chest. It soothes the chest and regulates qi, disperses lung qi and stops cough, descends rebellious qi and relieves wheezing, and benefits the throat and opens the orifices. It is a commonly used key point for treating chest, lung, and throat disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Xuanji" refers to two stars of the Big Dipper and also to an ancient astronomical instrument. Located at the upper end of the sternum, this point serves as the gateway to the chest cavity, symbolizing the "revolving of the star pivot" – hence the name Xuanji (Star Pivot).
