The last point on the Kidney channel — and a quiet guardian of the chest. Shufu (KI-27) is where the deep, rising energy of the Kidneys arrives at the surface of the body, offering relief to the lungs, calming coughs and breathing difficulty, and completing the great upward journey of Kidney Qi.
Name & story
The name 俞府 Shufu means 'Shu Mansion' or 'Transporting Mansion' — a place where something precious is received and housed. 'Shu' suggests transportation or infusion, the way energy is carried inward and upward. 'Fu' is a mansion, a gathering hall. The image is of a grand hall at the top of a long journey: the Kidney channel rises all the way from the sole of the foot (KI-1, deep in the earth), travels up through the body, and finally delivers its Qi here — into the chest, at the clavicle — as if the energy has arrived home after a long road and been welcomed into a mansion.
Point family & character
Shufu (KI-27) belongs to the Kidney Meridian (KI) and is its final point — the terminus of the entire channel. It is where the Kidney channel meets the chest and connects with the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai). As the closing point of the channel, it carries a special role: it is the place where the Kidney Qi, having ascended through the whole body, is delivered to the upper regions.
Five-element dynamics
The Kidney belongs to the Water element — the deepest, most fundamental reservoir of the body. Water nourishes everything; it rises to moisten and support even the Lungs above it. Shufu (KI-27) sits right at the top of this rising journey, just beneath the clavicle, close to where the Lungs live. When Kidney Qi ascends properly and supports the Lungs, breathing is easy and the chest is calm. When the Kidneys fail to grasp and send Qi upward — or when rebellious Qi rushes up instead — coughing, wheezing and chest tightness follow. Shufu is the point where the Water element reaches up to tend the upper body.
Location
On the upper chest, in the depression just below the lower border of the clavicle, 2 Cun lateral to the midline (Ren Mai). It sits level with KI-26 below and roughly at the junction of the clavicle and the first rib space.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies on the chest, in the soft tissue just below the clavicle, near the sternum. It overlies the pectoralis major muscle. Beneath lies the chest cavity.
Needling
The needle is inserted obliquely or at a slight angle, directed away from the chest cavity. Given its location on the upper chest, the angle of insertion should be carefully controlled — never deeply straight in.
The golden tip
To find Shufu (KI-27), trace your finger along the collarbone to its inner end near the breastbone, then move very slightly outward and feel for the soft depression just below the clavicle. Gentle, steady finger pressure here — or small circular massage — can help ease chest tightness, shallow breathing and a nagging cough. It is safe to press for 1–2 minutes as needed. Breathing slowly and deeply while applying pressure adds to the benefit.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.