Directing Vessel
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REN-14
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Abdomen — Upper
Location
On the midline of the abdomen, 6 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun below the sternocostal angle.
Main Actions
- Regulates Heart Qi and relieve pain
- Calms the Mind by transforms Phlegm
- Descends Rebellious Stomach Qi
Indications
Commentary
Juque REN-14 treats both Stomach and Heart disorders in subduing their Rebellious Qi so as to treat symptoms such as nausea or vomiting. It is especially the case if the Rebellious Qi derives from emotional stress.
Shanwan REN-13's function is similar, but it mostly focuses on Rebellious Stomach Qi alone.
As the Front Collecting-Mu point for the Heart, REN-14 can treat various Heart and chest pains as well as distension.
Finally, this point treats various mental issues such as depression, disorientation, shouting or anger by opening the Mind's orifices and transforming Phlegm that mists the Heart. It treats the pattern of Heart Fire so as to ease symptoms such as insomnia, agitation and anxiety. The pattern of Heart Deficiency may lead to these mental problems as well.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Dacheng (針灸大成): "Located 1 cun below Jiuwei, the Mu point of the Heart. Needle 6 fen deep, retain for 7 breaths, withdraw upon obtaining Qi. Moxa 7 cones, up to 49 cones." Lists indications including upper Qi with coughing, chest fullness and shortness of breath, back and chest pain, various types of heart pain, cold pain, roundworm pain, phlegm accumulation in the chest, cholera with loss of consciousness, fright palpitations, abdominal distension, sudden pain, and mental confusion.
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經): Records Juque as the gathering point of Heart Qi on the chest and abdomen, emphasizing its role in treating Heart diseases and disorders of the spirit (Shen).
Suwen (素問): References the point in relation to the diaphragm membrane, noting that "the diaphragm membrane extends anteriorly to Jiuwei (Juque area)" connecting its function to separating the clear Upper Jiao from turbid influences.
How to Locate
On the midline of the abdomen, divide the distance between the umbilicus and the sternocostal angle into 8 cun. Juque REN-14 is located 6 cun above umbilicus.
Caution
This is a dangerous point requiring careful needling technique. Deep insertion may damage the left lobe of the Liver or the Heart if either organ is enlarged (hypertrophied). Never needle obliquely in a superior direction toward the heart. In thin patients, the peritoneum may be closer to the surface. Always verify patient positioning and body type before needling. The xiphoid process length varies considerably between individuals - always locate precisely before insertion. Use caution during pregnancy as strong stimulation of abdominal points should be avoided.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–0.8 cun vertically or often obliquely in an inferior direction or up to 1.5 cun transversely. Caution: be careful with Peritoneum and hypertrophied Organs such as the Heart and Liver.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and soreness at the point, with sensation often extending upward toward the chest. Some patients may feel a spreading warmth or fullness in the epigastric region. Due to the point's proximity to the Heart and its emotional connections, sensitive patients may experience a release of suppressed emotions.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes; 3–7 cones for direct moxa
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Organ & Tissue Associations
Front-Mu Point for:
Heart
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