Huatuojiaji — Huá Tuó Jiā Jǐ (华佗夹脊) — Hua Tuo's Paravertebral Points
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1. Overview
Huatuojiaji — Huá Tuó Jiā Jǐ (华佗夹脊) — is an acupuncture point on the Extra points (bilateral, T1–L5) meridian. Its English name, Hua Tuo's Paravertebral Points, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
0.5 cun lateral to the lower border of each spinous process from T1 to L5, bilaterally — 34 points in total.
3. Actions
- Regulate Qi and Blood of internal organs via segmental nerve innervation
- Activate the Du Mai
- Relieve pain along the entire spine
- Treat disorders of the corresponding organ at each spinal level
4. Indications
- Spinal pain at any level from cervical to lumbar
- Disc disease and nerve root compression
- Post-herpetic neuralgia (shingles) at the affected dermatome
- Scoliosis and postural correction
- Internal organ disorders via segmental innervation
5. Needling
Oblique medial insertion 0.5–0.8 cun. Electroacupuncture frequently applied connecting adjacent Jiaji points.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
The Huatuojiaji points are named after the legendary Han dynasty physician Hua Tuo. Located between the Bladder Back-Shu points (1.5 cun) and the Du Mai (midline) at 0.5 cun from the midline. Each point corresponds to a spinal segment and its segmental nerve root. Electroacupuncture connecting adjacent Jiaji points produces strong segmental nerve stimulation used in spinal pain, radiculopathy and post-herpetic neuralgia.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use Huatuojiaji as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Back pain, Sciatica, Neck pain, Shingles. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
