Dingchuan Point (EX-B1 / Calm Wheezing)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Dingchuan (EX-B1 / Calm Wheezing). Learn its benefits for cough, asthma, insomnia, and palpitations – the extraordinary point for relieving wheezing – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Stops cough and relieves wheezing, unblocks and regulates lung qi, calms the spirit and stabilizes the mind. Treats cough and wheezing, asthma, insomnia, dizziness, headache, palpitations, manic disorders, allergic rhinitis, pertussis, and stiff painful neck.
Precise Location
On the back, 0.5 cun lateral to the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. First locate Dazhui (GV-14, in the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra) – measure 0.5 cun (approximately half a finger-width) laterally. One point on each side.
Massage Method
Press and knead with the thumb pad for 3–5 minutes per session, 1–2 times daily – a local sore and distending sensation is optimal. Moxibustion for 10–15 minutes per point may also be applied. Therapeutic actions: Stops cough and relieves wheezing, unblocks and regulates lung qi, calms the spirit and stabilizes the mind.
Compatibility
Cough and wheezing: Combine with Feishu (BL-13) and Zhongfu (LU-1) – to descend qi and relieve wheezing. Acute asthma attacks: Combine with Lieque (LU-7), Chize (LU-5), Hegu (LI-4), and Tanzhong (RN-17) – to disperse lung qi, release the exterior, regulate qi, transform phlegm, descend qi, and relieve wheezing. Insomnia and palpitations: Combine with Shenmen (HT-7) and Neiguan (PC-6). Dizziness and headache: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Baihui (GV-20), and Taichong (LR-3). Allergic rhinitis: Combine with Yingxiang (LI-20), Yintang (EX-HN3), and Feishu (BL-13). Stiff painful neck: Combine with Tianzhu (BL-10), Dazhui (GV-14), and Houxi (SI-3).
Efficacy & Actions
This is an extraordinary point located 0.5 cun lateral to the depression below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra on the back. It stops cough and relieves wheezing, unblocks and regulates lung qi, and calms the spirit and stabilizes the mind. It is a commonly used key point for treating asthma, cough, and respiratory system disorders. First documented in the Changyong Xin Yiliao Fa Shouce (Manual of Commonly Used New Medical Therapies). "Ding" means to calm or stabilize; "Chuan" means wheezing or asthma. This point treats asthma and calms wheezing – hence the name Dingchuan (Calm Wheezing). Dingchuan is an experienced effective point for treating asthma and cough, with good therapeutic effects for both acute attacks and remission periods. It is often combined with Feishu (BL-13), Tanzhong (RN-17), and Lieque (LU-7).
Contraindications
Located on the back – needling depth and angle should be carefully controlled, generally 0.5–1 cun vertically, avoiding deep insertion to prevent injury to deep tissues. Moxibustion is permissible. Use with caution in pregnant women.
