Directing Vessel
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REN-17
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Chest
Location
On the midline of the chest, on the level of the 4th intercostal space or nipples.
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi, especially the Gathering Qi (Zong Qi)
- Opens the chest and regulates Qi
- Descends Lung and Stomach Qi
- Benefits the breasts and promote lactation
Indications
Commentary
Shanzhong REN-17 is a major point for Qi Deficiency. In fact, it is not only the Gather-Hui point for Qi, but also a Sea of Qi point.
It is effective in tonifying the Zong Qi in the chest, mainly the Heart and Lung Qi. Therefore, it can treat weak voice, tiredness, propensity to catching colds and spontaneous sweating.
Together with Zusanli ST-36, Zhongwan REN-12 and Qihai REN-6, it is able to strengthen the Spleen and Kidney Qi.
Apart from Qi tonifying, it can also be stimulated to open the chest and regulate Qi there to ease pain and fullness, feeling of constriction, tightness and oppression in the chest.
It also helps to ease short of breath due to various patterns, such as Rebellious Lung Qi, Lung Qi Deficiency, Heart Qi Deficiency or Phlegm in the chest.
Finally, Shanzhong REN-17 benefits the breasts and increases postpartum breast milk supply. The insufficient supply can be due to Qi and Blood Deficiency or Qi Stagnation.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu, Chapter 33 (Sea Theory): "膻中者，為氣之海" — "Shanzhong is the Sea of Qi."
Ling Shu, Root and Branch: "厥陰根於大敦，結於玉英，絡於膻中" — "The Jueyin [channel] roots at Dadun, binds at Yuying, and networks at Shanzhong."
Nan Jing, Chapter 45: "氣會三焦外，一筋直兩乳內也" — "The Qi [Hui-gathering point] meets outside the San Jiao, in a line directly between the two breasts."
Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): Located "in the depression between the nipples, where the Qi of Ren Mai is emitted."
How to Locate
The quickest the way is to locate Shanzhong REN-17 on the stermum in the middle of the two nipples.
Caution
Some classical texts forbid needling this point directly. Use with care in patients with Qi deficiency, as they may have strong reactions. Located over the sternum, which in some individuals may have a sternal foramen (persistence foramen sternal) — deep or perpendicular needling risks pneumothorax or intracardiac puncture. Always needle transversely/obliquely. Avoid strong manipulation in weak patients. Moxibustion is often preferred over needling for tonification purposes.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun transversely in a superior or inferior direction. When used for the breasts disorders, it is inserted towards the affected breast.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and soreness, or a deep heavy feeling spreading within the chest. The sensation may pervade the chest area and sometimes radiate toward the heart region. In some patients with Qi deficiency, deqi may be subtle but treatment effects are still evident.
Moxibustion
Particularly Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Organ & Tissue Associations
Front-Mu Point for:
Pericardium
Hui-Gathering Point for:
Qi
Four Seas Classification
Sea Type:
Sea of Qi
Position:
Upper Point
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