EXT-20 - Panting Breath

喘息 - Chuǎn xī

Point Region: Upper back

EXT

Extra Points

其他穴位 - Qítā Xuéwèi

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the upper back, lateral to T3, in the paraspinal region.

Extra points have no international location standard, and Chinese texts number and place some of them differently. This location follows common teaching.

How to Locate:

  1. Count down three vertebrae from the prominent bone at the base of your neck
  2. Move about one finger-width to either side of the spine
  3. Locate the muscle beside the third thoracic vertebra
  4. This location in the paraspinal muscle is EXT-20
(Illustration coming soon)

How to Apply Pressure

After locating EXT-20 beside the third thoracic vertebra, rest a fingertip gently on the paraspinal muscle and never press onto the spine. Do not use it during breathing distress — that needs urgent medical care — or after recent chest surgery.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Wheezing
  • Chronic cough
  • Chest tightness
  • Upper back pain
  • Respiratory distress
  • Shoulder blade tension

Related Health Concerns

Cold and Flu Onset

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Severe respiratory distress
  • Thoracic spine injury
  • Recent chest surgery

Take care:

  • Avoid excessive pressure during respiratory distress
  • Be gentle with elderly patients
  • Stop if breathing difficulties worsen