EXT-23 - Calm the Wheeze
定喘 - Dìng chuǎn
Point Region: Upper back
Location & How to Find
Anatomical Location: On the upper back, adjacent to Dazhui (GV-14), lateral to the midline at the level of C7.
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:
- Locate the prominent bone at the base of your neck (C7)
- Move about half a finger-width to either side of this bone
- Find the slight depression next to the prominent vertebra
- This depression beside the spine is EXT-23
(Illustration coming soon)
How to Apply Pressure
Place the fingertips just beside the bump of C7 at the base of the neck, on the muscle rather than the spine. Press steadily, firm but never painful. Skip it after a neck injury or surgery, and if breathing becomes difficult, stop and get medical help.
Traditional Indications
In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Urticaria
- Neck rigidity
- Allergic reactions
Related Health Concerns
Related Acupoints
Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.
Important Precautions
Avoid this point with:
- Severe respiratory distress
- Cervical spine injury
- Recent neck surgery
Take care:
- Avoid excessive pressure during acute asthma
- Be gentle with cervical area
- Stop if breathing difficulties worsen