Directing Vessel
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REN-10
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Abdomen — Upper
Location
On the midline of the abdomen, 2 cun above the umbilicus and 6 cun below the sternocostal angle.
Main Actions
- Descends the Stomach Qi
- Removes food Stagnation
Indications
Commentary
Rebellious Stomach Qi can give rise to food retention in the Stomach with typical symptoms such as abdominal and epigastric distension, feeling of fullness after eating or sour regurgitation. Xiawan REN-10 can be stimulated to descend the Stomach Qi and remove Food Stagnation.
The epigastric area can be divided into three equal parts and each part is controlled by an Acupuncture point to treat various Stomach disorders.
The upper part, including the fundus of the Stomach and oesophagus, is controlled by Shangwan REN-13. It is used to subdues the Rebellious Stomach Qi so as to stop hiccups, nausea and belching.
The middle part covers the mid Stomach and is controlled by Zhongwan REN-12. It has impact on the Stomach digestion.
While the lower part, covering the lower Stomach and duodenum, is controlled by Xiawan REN-10. It works more on descending the Rebellious Stomach Qi to move the accumulated foods to the Small Intestine.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經, Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Xiawan among the meeting points of the Ren Mai with the Spleen channel, emphasizing its role in digestive disorders.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (針灸大成, Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Describes Xiawan for treating abdominal fullness, epigastric pain, food stagnation, and undigested food in the stools.
Lingshu (靈樞, Spiritual Pivot): References the division of the epigastric area into three regions, with the lower portion governed by Xiawan for descending food to the intestines.
How to Locate
On the midline of the abdomen, divide the distance between the umbilicus and the sternocostal angle into 8 cun. Xiawan REN-10 is located 2 cun above umbilicus.
Caution
In thin patients, deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity. Use caution during pregnancy—avoid strong stimulation or deep needling on all abdominal points from REN-2 to REN-13. This point lies over the stomach/transverse colon region; avoid needling immediately after large meals.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5-1 cun. Caution: be careful with Peritoneum. Take great care during pregnancy.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and heaviness around the epigastric area. The sensation may radiate toward the umbilicus or spread laterally across the upper abdomen. Some patients experience a sense of warmth or movement in the digestive region.
Moxibustion
Particularly Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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