CV21 (Xuanji, “Xuanji”) is an acupuncture point on the Conception Vessel Meridian. It is located on the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression on the manubrium of the sternum, 1 cun inferior to CV22 (Tiantu). It descends Lung Qi, unbinds the chest, and alleviates cough and wheezing.
On the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression on the manubrium of the sternum, 1 cun inferior to CV22 (Tiantu).
Transverse-oblique insertion, usually inferiorly, 0.3-0.5 cun. Deep perpendicular insertion carries a risk of puncturing the manubrium and underlying structures.
Descends Lung Qi, unbinds the chest, and alleviates cough and wheezing.
chest and rib fullness and pain, cough with rebellious Qi, wheezing and inability to speak, throat blockage, throat painful obstruction, difficulty swallowing food and water, accumulation in the stomach, chest pain.
Xuanji is a local point on the upper sternum primarily used for respiratory disorders. It is effective for treating cough, wheezing, and a sensation of fullness or pain in the chest by promoting the descending function of the Lung. Its location makes it particularly useful for conditions where Qi is obstructed in the upper chest and throat, leading to difficulty breathing or speaking.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《黃帝明堂灸經》 Huángdì Míngtáng Jiǔjīng — The Yellow Emperor's Bright Hall Moxibustion Classic, Tang · 卷上 · 正人形第十七 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
璇璣 一穴，在天突下一寸陷者中，仰頭取之。 灸三壯。 主胸脅支滿，咳逆上喘，喉中鳴也According to this text, CV21 (a single point) lies in a depression 1 cun below Tiantu, found with the head tilted back, and receives 3 moxa cones; it was used for propping fullness of chest and flanks, cough with rising panting, and rattling in the throat.
《針灸甲乙經》 Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng — Systematic Classic of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, c. 256–282 · 卷03 · Source: Wikisource ↗
璇璣，在天突下一寸中央陷者中，任脈氣所發，仰頭取之，刺入三分，灸五壯According to this text, CV21 lies in the central depression 1 cun below Tiantu, where the Ren vessel qi emerges, found with the head tilted back; it is needled 3 fen with 5 moxa cones.
《類經圖翼》 Lèijīng Túyì — Illustrated Wings to the Classified Canon, Zhang Jiebin, 1624 · 卷十一 · 針灸要覽 · 諸咳喘嘔噦氣逆 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
璇璣 華蓋 俞府 膻中 肩井（冷風哮妙，有孕勿灸The text lists CV21 with Huagai, Shufu, Shanzhong and Jianjing as excellent for cold-wind wheezing, and warns not to apply moxibustion during pregnancy.
CV21 is one of 24 points on the Conception Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:
CV21 (Xuanji) is located on the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression on the manubrium of the sternum, 1 cun inferior to CV22 (Tiantu).
CV21 descends Lung Qi, unbinds the chest, and alleviates cough and wheezing. Common clinical indications include chest and rib fullness and pain, cough with rebellious Qi, wheezing and inability to speak, throat blockage, throat painful obstruction, difficulty swallowing food and water, accumulation in the stomach, chest pain.
Transverse-oblique insertion, usually inferiorly, 0.3-0.5 cun. Deep perpendicular insertion carries a risk of puncturing the manubrium and underlying structures. Caution: Over the sternum — needle transversely along the bone, never deeply or perpendicularly: through a congenital sternal foramen the needle can injure the pericardium and heart.
CV21 is a point on the Conception Vessel Meridian (Rèn Mài).