Directing Vessel
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REN-15
Luo-Connecting Point
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.4–0.6 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Abdomen — Upper
Location
On the midline of the abdomen, 7 cun above the umbilicus and 1 cun below the sternocostal angle. This point is located at the tip of the xiphoid process, which is commonly known as ‘dove-tail’ in China, hence the name of the point.
Main Actions
- Calms the Mind and regulate Heart Qi
- Descends the Lung Qi and opens the chest
Indications
Commentary
Jiuwei REN-15 is the Source (Yuan) point of the five Yin Organs and the Fat Tissue (Gao). It nourishes all Yin Organs (Zang Organs) as it impacts on their Original Qi.
It strongly calms the Mind by opening the Mind's orifices so as to treat symptoms such as serious anxiety, depression, palpitation, worry, emotional upsets, fears, insomnia or obsessions. This is especially the case in Yin or Blood Deficiency patterns.
It can be stimulated to open the chest and descend both Rebellious Lung Qi and Rebellious Heart Qi. The first pattern gives rise to symptoms like coughing, wheezing and short of breath, while the latter can lead to anxiety, sighing and feeling of chest oppression.
As the Connecting-Luo point of the Directing Vessel, it controls the Connecting-Luo Channel, which spreads out in various small branches over the abdomen. In case of Excess in the branches, the patients feel abdomen pain. Otherwise, they feel abdomen itchiness in case of Empty in the branches. Jiuwei REN-15 can be applies for both conditions.
Classical Sources
Líng Shū (靈樞 - Spiritual Pivot), Chapter 10: "任脉之别，名曰尾翳，下鸠尾，散于腹。实则腹皮痛，虚则痒搔。" (The Luo-connecting vessel of the Ren Mai is called Weiyi [Turtledove Tail]; it descends from Jiuwei and spreads over the abdomen. In excess there is abdominal skin pain; in deficiency there is itching.)
Zhēn Jiǔ Dà Chéng (針灸大成 - Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "《铜人》禁灸，灸之令人少心力，大妙手方针，不然针取气多，令人夭。" (According to the Bronze Man, moxibustion is forbidden here; moxa causes weakness of Heart vitality. Only master hands should needle this point; otherwise excessive Qi extraction may cause harm.)
Zhēn Jiǔ Dà Chéng: Lists indications including: "息贲，热病，偏头痛引目外眦，噫喘，喉鸣，胸满咳呕，喉痹咽肿" (Respiratory masses, febrile diseases, migraine radiating to outer canthus, belching and panting, throat sounds, chest fullness with cough and vomiting, throat obstruction and pharyngeal swelling).
How to Locate
On the midline of the abdomen, divide the distance between the umbilicus and the sternocostal angle into 8 cun. Jiuwei REN-15 is located 7 cun above umbilicus and 1 cun below the sternocostal angle.
Caution
This is a dangerous point requiring careful technique. Deep insertion may injure the liver (especially if enlarged) or peritoneal cavity. Never needle obliquely upward toward the heart. In thin patients, the safe needling depth is reduced (approximately 0.4 cun/1.2cm based on cadaver studies). Exercise extra caution in patients with hepatomegaly, cardiomegaly, or emphysema (where the diaphragm may be depressed). Classical texts warn that improper needling can cause serious harm. Moxibustion is debated - some classical sources prohibit it entirely, stating it weakens Heart vitality.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.4–0.6 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun obliquely in an inferior direction. The patient should be in an extended position. Caution: be careful with hypertrophied Organs such as the Heart and Liver, especially with deep needling or oblique insertion in a superior direction.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and fullness spreading across the upper abdomen and into the chest. Some patients experience a warm sensation radiating upward. Deqi may be mild due to shallow needling requirements.
Moxibustion
Questionable
Duration: Up to 5 cones indirect moxa; 10-15 minutes with stick moxa (Note: some classical texts prohibit moxibustion at this point)
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Special Point Classifications
Luo-Connecting Point
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