Zhiyang Point (GV-9 / Reaching Yang)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Zhiyang (GV-9 / Reaching Yang). Learn its benefits for chest pain, jaundice, back pain, and arrhythmia – the Governor Vessel point for reaching yang qi – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Chest and hypochondriac distension with pain, jaundice, lumbar and back pain, spinal stiffness, heart pain, chest tightness, stomach pain, hiccups, cough, and wheezing.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th thoracic vertebra, on the posterior midline, approximately level with the inferior angle of the scapula.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. Locate the intersection of the line connecting the inferior angles of both scapulae with the posterior midline (approximately at the 7th thoracic vertebra) – the point is in the depression below this spinous process.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Zhiyang with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat chest and hypochondriac fullness and heart pain. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the chest and regulates qi, benefits the gallbladder and resolves jaundice, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, and calms the heart and settles the spirit.
Compatibility
Arrhythmia: Combine with Xinshu (BL-15) and Neiguan (PC-6). Chest and hypochondriac pain: Combine with Danzhong (RN-17) and Yanglingquan (GB-34). Jaundice: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34), Danshu (BL-19), and Ganshu (BL-18). Lumbar and back pain, spinal stiffness: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23) and Weizhong (BL-40). Heart pain and chest tightness: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Danzhong (RN-17). Stomach pain and hiccups: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Zusanli (ST-36). Cough and wheezing: Combine with Feishu (BL-13) and Tiantu (RN-22).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Governor Vessel (Du Mai). It soothes the chest and regulates qi, benefits the gallbladder and resolves jaundice, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, and calms the heart and settles the spirit. It is a commonly used key point for treating chest, hypochondriac, liver-gallbladder, and cardiac disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Zhi" means to reach or arrive; "Yang" refers to yang qi. Located on the back, this point is where yang qi reaches its extreme – hence the name Zhiyang (Reaching Yang).
