REN20 Huagai means 'Magnificent Canopy'

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

REN20 (Huagai, “Huagai means 'Magnificent Canopy'”) is an acupuncture point on the Conception Vessel Meridian. It is located on the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression 1 cun inferior to REN21 (Xuanji), at the level of the first intercostal space. It descends rebellious Lung qi, unbinds the chest, and alleviates cough and wheezing.

Location

On the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression 1 cun inferior to REN21 (Xuanji), at the level of the first intercostal space.

Needling

Transverse-oblique insertion, directed inferiorly along the channel, 0.3-0.5 cun. Deep perpendicular or superior insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.

O
v
e
r
l
i
e
s
t
h
e
t
h
o
r
a
c
i
c
c
a
v
i
t
y
—
r
i
s
k
o
f
P
N
E
U
M
O
T
H
O
R
A
X
.
N
e
e
d
l
e
o
b
l
i
q
u
e
l
y
o
r
t
r
a
n
s
v
e
r
s
e
l
y
,
n
e
v
e
r
d
e
e
p
l
y
o
r
p
e
r
p
e
n
d
i
c
u
l
a
r
l
y
t
o
w
a
r
d
t
h
e
c
h
e
s
t
w
a
l
l
.

TCM functions

Descends rebellious Lung qi, unbinds the chest, and alleviates cough and wheezing..

Indications

Fullness of the chest and hypochondrium, pain radiating into the chest, rebellious qi cough, wheezing, sudden asthma, inability to speak due to breathlessness, asthma with coughing, throat impediment and swelling, difficulty swallowing food and drink, pain in the skin of the chest, chest and rib fullness..

Clinical notes

Huagai is a key local point for treating acute and chronic respiratory disorders involving the chest. Its primary strength lies in descending rebellious Lung qi to relieve wheezing, asthma, and coughing. It is particularly effective for sensations of fullness, oppression, and pain in the upper chest, directly addressing the region it occupies. Its name, 'Magnificent Canopy', underscores its relationship with the Lungs, making it a direct target for disorders of Lung qi failing to descend.

On the Conception Vessel channel

REN20 is one of 24 points on the Conception Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:

REN16REN17REN18REN19REN21REN22REN23REN24

Frequently asked questions

Where is REN20 located?

REN20 (Huagai) is located on the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression 1 cun inferior to REN21 (Xuanji), at the level of the first intercostal space.

What is REN20 used for?

REN20 descends rebellious Lung qi, unbinds the chest, and alleviates cough and wheezing. Common clinical indications include fullness of the chest and hypochondrium, pain radiating into the chest, rebellious qi cough, wheezing, sudden asthma, inability to speak due to breathlessness, asthma with coughing, throat impediment and swelling, difficulty swallowing food and drink, pain in the skin of the chest, chest and rib fullness.

How is REN20 needled?

Transverse-oblique insertion, directed inferiorly along the channel, 0.3-0.5 cun. Deep perpendicular or superior insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall.

Which meridian is REN20 on?

REN20 is a point on the Conception Vessel Meridian (Rèn Mài).

Interactive body mapConditions & evidenceFind an acupuncturistTCM glossary
⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.