ST13 Qihu

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

ST13 (Qihu, “Qihu”) is an acupuncture point on the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the upper chest, in the depression directly below the clavicle, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline. This point is located in the first intercostal space. It descends rebellious Lung and Stomach Qi, unbinds the chest, and alleviates cough and wheezing.

Location

On the upper chest, in the depression directly below the clavicle, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline. This point is located in the first intercostal space.

Needling

Oblique or transverse-oblique insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Perpendicular insertion carries a high risk of causing a pneumothorax and should be avoided.

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TCM functions

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

Indications

Chest and rib-side fullness, cough with rebellious upward-surging Qi, shortness of breath, inability to catch one's breath, wheezing, asthma, chest pain, hiccup, loss of appetite, breathing difficulty that prevents lying down..

Clinical notes

As its name 'Qi Door' implies, this point is a crucial local point for opening the chest and descending rebellious Qi from the Lungs and Stomach. It is primarily used for acute or chronic respiratory conditions characterized by cough, wheezing, and a sense of oppression or fullness in the chest. Its ability to treat hiccup and poor appetite also reflects its action on descending Stomach Qi.

On the Stomach channel

ST13 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

ST9ST10ST11ST12ST14ST15ST16ST17

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST13 located?

ST13 (Qihu) is located on the upper chest, in the depression directly below the clavicle, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline. This point is located in the first intercostal space.

What is ST13 used for?

ST13 descends rebellious Lung and Stomach Qi, unbinds the chest, and alleviates cough and wheezing. Common clinical indications include chest and rib-side fullness, cough with rebellious upward-surging Qi, shortness of breath, inability to catch one's breath, wheezing, asthma, chest pain, hiccup, loss of appetite, breathing difficulty that prevents lying down.

How is ST13 needled?

Oblique or transverse-oblique insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Perpendicular insertion carries a high risk of causing a pneumothorax and should be avoided. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall. Deep perpendicular needling is strictly contraindicated due to the risk of puncturing the lung (pneumothorax).

Which meridian is ST13 on?

ST13 is a point on the Stomach Meridian (Zú Yángmíng Wèijīng).

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⚠️ 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.