ST-13 - Qi Door

气户 - Qì hù

Point Region: Chest

ST

Stomach Meridian

足阳明胃经 - Zú Yángmíng Wèi Jīng

ST-13 Qihu, meaning 'Qi Door,' is a point that harmonizes the chest and descends Lung Qi. Located on the chest, it is a key point for addressing a wide range of issues that are caused by 'rebellious' Lung Qi, which can manifest as a cough, asthma, or a feeling of fullness in the chest. Its name, 'Qi Door,' alludes to its ability to bring a sense of order and harmony to the body's entire system.

Think of Qihu as a point that helps to 'open the door' to your lungs. It's invaluable for addressing issues like a cough, shortness of breath, and a feeling of a 'tight' chest. By harmonizing the chest and descending Lung Qi, it helps to restore a sense of ease and freedom.

By harmonizing the chest and descending Lung Qi, ST-13 helps to restore a sense of balance and inner peace. It's a point that reminds us that our true power comes from a calm and unburdened body.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the chest, directly below ST-12, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, at the superior border of the first rib.

How to Locate:

  1. Find the hollow above your collar bone
  2. Move outward from the center toward your shoulder to find the deepest part
  3. From this deepest hollow, move straight down below your collar bone
  4. The point is on your upper chest in line with this hollow
Location illustration for On the chest, directly below ST-12, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, at the superior border of the first rib.

Primary Functions

Respiratory System

  • Treats cough and respiratory disorders
  • Relieves chest congestion and tightness
  • Improves lung qi circulation
  • Reduces bronchial inflammation

Digestive System

  • Harmonizes stomach qi in chest region
  • Treats chest discomfort from digestive issues
  • Relieves belching and hiccups

Musculoskeletal System

  • Relieves chest and shoulder tension
  • Treats intercostal muscle pain

Immune & Energy System

  • Strengthens lung qi and defensive energy
  • Supports respiratory immune function

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Chest tightness
  • Cough with reflux
  • Hiccups
  • Shallow breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Respiratory problems
  • Intercostal pain
  • Breathing difficulty

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

N/A

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

ST-13 Protocols

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Important Precautions

  • Recent chest surgery
  • Severe respiratory conditions
  • Chest wall injuries