Huagai Point (RN-20 / Canopy)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Huagai (RN-20 / Canopy). Learn its benefits for cough, wheezing, chest fullness, and hypochondriac pain – the Conception Vessel point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Cough, wheezing, chest and hypochondriac fullness, chest pain, throat obstruction, and chest tightness.
Precise Location
On the chest, level with the 1st intercostal space, on the anterior midline – 3 intercostal spaces above Danzhong (RN-17).
Location Method
Lie supine. On the anterior midline, locate Danzhong (RN-17, at the midpoint of the line connecting the nipples, 4th intercostal space), then move upward 3 intercostal spaces to the 1st intercostal space – that is the point.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Huagai 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, and descends rebellious qi and relieves wheezing.
Compatibility
Hypochondriac pain: Combine with Qihu (ST-13). 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). Throat obstruction: Combine with Shaoshang (LU-11) and Hegu (LI-4).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) and is located at the 1st intercostal space on the anterior midline of the chest. It soothes the chest and regulates qi, disperses lung qi and stops cough, and descends rebellious qi and relieves wheezing. It is a commonly used key point for treating chest, lung, and respiratory system disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Hua" means magnificent or splendid; "Gai" means canopy or cover. Located in the upper chest, this point serves as a canopy covering the heart and lungs – hence the name Huagai (Canopy).
