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Hua Gai: TCM Acupoint Guide

HUAGAI
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
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Name

Hua Gai (Huagai)

Location

On the anterior midline, at the midpoint of the sternal angle, level with the first intercostal space.

Needling

  • Transverse insertion directed inferiorly or superiorly along the channel, 0.5 to 1 cun.
  • Slanted insertion, 0.5 to 1 cun.
  • Puncture subcutaneously, 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
  • Moxibustion is applicable.

Actions

  • Unbinds the chest
  • Regulates qi
  • Descends qi

Indications

  • Dyspnea
  • Wheezing
  • Asthma
  • Cough
  • Rebellious qi
  • Dyspnea with inability to speak
  • Pain and fullness of the chest and lateral costal region
  • Difficult ingestion
  • Bronchitis
  • Intercostal neuralgia
  • Pharyngitis

Notes

This point is used for all conditions of the lungs where one needs to go to a deeper level, where the body is in trouble because of the mind and spirit. This is an anti-smoking point. It helps with withdrawal but does not eliminate desire.

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Sources and further reading

We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.

  • Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
  • Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
  • Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
  • NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.

Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.

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