Directing Vessel

Yutang REN-18

Chinese: 玉堂

Pinyin: Yù Táng

Location

On the midline of the chest, on the level of the 3rd intercostal space. 

How to locate

Identify Shangzhong REN-17 in the middle of the two nipples, on the level of the 4th intercostal space. Locate the 3rd intercostal space by counting one space up. 

Or locate the 3rd intercostal space by palpation or counting down from the clavicle. Yutang REN-18 is on the midline of the sternum. 

 

Main actions

  1. Opens the chest and regulates Qi
  2. Descends rebellious Qi

Indications

Wheezing Dyspnoea Vomiting Chest pain Throat pain Breast pain Chest fullness Swollen throat Breast swelling Shortness of breath Difficulty swallowing Lateral costal region pain

Needling

0.5–1 cun transversely in a superior or inferior direction along the Channel. 

Caution: only transverse needling is recommended in order not to injure the Heart or the pleura, especially for patients with a sternal foramen. 

Commentary for Yutang REN-18

Yutang REN-18 can be used to open the chest and remove Qi Stagnation there, so as to treat symptoms like pain, fullness and swelling in the chest, breast, throat and lateral costal region. 

It is also applied to regulate and descend Rebellious Qi, especially the Rebellious Lung Qi. Therefore it treats shortness of breath, vomiting, and wheezing.