REN-3

Zhongji REN-3

Central Pole · 中极 · Zhōng Jí

Directing Vessel

Safety Warnings

Dangerous point - requires extra caution
Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Contraindicated during pregnancy

Needle Depth

0.5–1.0 cun

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular)

Body Area

Abdomen — Lower

Location

On the anterior midline, 4 cun below the umbilicus, 1 cun above Qugu REN-2, which is located at the upper border of the symphysis pubis.

Previous on channel

Qugu REN-2

Next on channel

Guanyuan REN-4

Main Actions

Clears Dampness from the Lower Burner
Benefits the Bladder and its Qi transformation
Benefits the Uterus and regulates menstruation
Strengthens the Kidneys and nourishes the Essence

Indications

Tinnitus Dizziness Dark Urine Amenorrhea Weak knees Infertility Shan disorder Genitalia pain Lower back pain Abdominal masses Lochia retention Genitalia itching Urinary retention Painful urination Frequent urination Placenta retention Irregular menstruation Abnormal uterine bleeding Excessive vaginal discharge

Commentary

Zhongji REN-3 is an important point for any genitourinary issues.

First all, it is frequently used to clear Dampness, particularly Damp-Heat, from the Lower Burner. Therefore it can treat symptoms like pain and burning urination genital itching or pain, excessive vaginal discharge or Shan disorders (Hernial and Genitourinary disorder). When combining with other distal points (Sanyingjiao SP-6, Yinlingquan SP-9 or Ligou LIV-5 depending on the actual cases), it also treats fever or bloody urine.

Secondly, REN-3 is a major point to benefit the Bladder and its Qi transformation function, especially for acute and Excess/Full cases. Thus Reducing Needling method is used more often. On the other hand, Tonifying Needling method can also be applied to strengthen the Bladder, but less often. The typical symptoms are frequent or retention of urination as well as painful and dark urine.

It is effective in regulating menstruation as well, by benefiting the Uterus and Directing Vessel. It can be used to treat painful periods, retention of placenta or abdominal masses which are caused by Blood Stagnation in the Uterus.

Finally REN-3 strengthens the Kidneys and nourishes its Essences, so as to tonify the original Qi. Therefore, it can treat lower back pain, dizziness, tinnitus and weak knees.

Classical Sources

Suwen (素问·骨空论): First documented location and name of Zhongji.

Zhenjiu Jiayijing (针灸甲乙经): "Hernia below the umbilicus, pain circling the navel, rushing up to the chest with difficulty breathing—Zhongji governs these. Women with vaginal itching, abdominal heat and pain, breast disorders, infertility, irregular uterine position, cold lower abdomen, genital itching and pain, menstrual blockage—Zhongji governs these."

Yizong Jinjian (医宗金鉴): "Zhongji treats deficiency-cold of the lower origin; all chronic cold conditions are suitable."

Yulong Ge (玉龙歌): "For difficult red and white vaginal discharge in women, caused by deficiency and instability, Zhongji should be supplemented more and drained less; moxibustion application requires careful attention."

How to Locate

Locate REN-3 on the midline, 4 cun below the umbilicus and 1 cun superior to the upper border of the pubic symphysis.

Caution

Patient must empty the bladder before needling to avoid bladder puncture. A distended bladder rises above the pubic bone and can be accidentally needled. Contraindicated during pregnancy as it can strongly stimulate the uterus. Deep insertion risks peritoneal penetration. Avoid needling in areas showing infection or inflammation.

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. Need to empty the Bladder before needling.

Expected Deqi Sensation

Distension and soreness in the lower abdomen, often radiating to the perineum or external genitalia. In some patients, the sensation may extend along the urethra or toward the umbilicus. Women may feel warmth spreading through the uterine region.

Moxibustion

Particularly Recommended

Duration: 10–15 minutes

Cupping

Questionable

Bloodletting

N/A

Gua Sha

Questionable

Organ & Tissue Associations

Front-Mu Point for:

Urinary Bladder

Commonly Combined Points

Guanyuan

Sanyinjiao

Qihai

Shenshu

Ciliao

Pangguangshu

Classical Point Combinations

Kidney Qi Deficiency Pattern (Genitourinary & Reproductive)

REN-3 + Dahe KI-12 + Shenshu BL-23 + Yinjiao REN-7 + Sanyinjiao SP-6 + Ciliao BL-32: For impotence, premature ejaculation, seminal emission, irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, uterine bleeding, and uterine prolapse caused by Kidney Qi deficiency.

Urinary Retention Treatment

REN-3 threading to Qugu REN-2 + Sanyinjiao SP-6 + Diji SP-8: For postpartum or post-surgical urinary retention. REN-3 threading to REN-2 + Qihai REN-6 + Tanzhong REN-17 + Zusanli ST-36 is used for urinary retention in elderly patients with Qi deficiency.

Hernia Treatment

REN-3 + Dadun LR-1 + Guanyuan REN-4 + Sanyinjiao SP-6: For hernia with unilateral swelling and pain.

Edema Treatment

REN-3 + Shuifen REN-9 + Sanjiaoshu BL-22 + Sanyinjiao SP-6 + Qihai REN-6 + Weiyang BL-39: For water retention and generalized edema.

Amenorrhea and Postpartum Bleeding

REN-3 + Yinjiao REN-7 + Shimen REN-5: Has the action of activating blood and resolving stasis, used for amenorrhea and persistent postpartum lochia.

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