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EX-HN-Chonggu
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Neck — Posterior
Location
Below the spinous process of the 6th cervical vertebra (C6).
Main Actions
- Expels external Pathogenic factors
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Neck stiffness and pain
Cervical spondylosis
Malaria
Common cold
Cough
Asthma
Wheezing
Epilepsy
Fever
Headache
Upper back pain
Tuberculosis (Lao Zhai)
Commentary
Chonggu EX-HN is not a major point.
Classical Sources
Qian Jin Yao Fang (Thousand Gold Prescriptions): Records the first documentation of this point. For treating epilepsy (羊痫 - yang xian, literally "sheep epilepsy") characterized by rolling eyes upward and protruding tongue, moxibustion is applied above Dazhui point.
Name Etymology: The name Chonggu (崇骨) means "Lofty Bone" or "High Bone." Chong (崇) means high, lofty, or towering; Gu (骨) means bone. The point is named because it is located above Dazhui (the Great Vertebra), at the prominent C6 spinous process, which stands tall and prominent in the cervical region.
How to Locate
Locate C6 by running the finger down the neck along the midline as it is the first palpable cervical vertebral spinous process. It becomes impalpable when the patients extend their neck. C7 is below C6 and it is still palpable despite that the neck is extended. Chonggu EX-HN below the spinous process of the 6th cervical vertebra (C6).
Caution
This point is located over the cervical spine near the spinal cord. Needle obliquely upward only (never perpendicular or downward toward the spinal canal). Avoid deep needling to prevent injury to the spinal cord or spinal nerves. The C6 vertebral level is near important neural structures. Always use proper technique and avoid needling in patients with cervical instability or spinal abnormalities.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun obliquely in a superior direction.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the point, with possible radiation to the shoulders or upper back. Some patients may experience a sensation of warmth spreading along the posterior neck.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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