Directing Vessel
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REN-16
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 5th intercostal space. On the sternocostal angle, where the two lower borders of the ribcage meet.
Main Actions
- Opens the chest
- Regulates and descends the Stomach Qi
Indications
Commentary
Zhongting REN-16 is used mainly to regulate Qi in the chest. When Qi stagnates there, the patients suffer from chest fullness and distension.
It can also regulate the Stomach and help to descend Rebellious Stomach Qi. Therefore, it can treat Stomach disorders such as digestive difficulties, vomiting after eating (or breast milk for infants) or umbilicus pain.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayijing (针灸甲乙经 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): This is the earliest source for this point, establishing its location on the Ren Mai at the sternocostal junction and indicating its use for chest fullness and diaphragm disorders.
Name Explanation: Zhong (中) means 'center' or 'middle,' and Ting (庭) means 'courtyard' or 'hall.' The name refers to the point's location at the 'central courtyard' of the body—the chest cavity where the heart resides. The chest is likened to a palace courtyard, with this point positioned at its center below the 'Chest Center' (REN-17 Shanzhong).
How to Locate
Palpate upward along the lower borders of the ribcage with one hand on either side until the palpating fingers meet at the sternocostal angle. Locate Zhongting Ren-16 in a shallow depression between the sternum and the xiphoid process.
Caution
Only transverse (subcutaneous) needling is recommended to avoid injury to underlying structures, particularly the heart. Patients with anatomical variations such as a split xiphoid process or sternal foramen require extra caution. Perpendicular insertion may contact bone quickly, causing pain and potentially bending the needle tip.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.5 cun transversely in a superior or inferior direction. Caution: only transverse needling is recommended in order not to injure the Heart, especially for patients with a split xiphoid process or a sternal foramen.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension or mild soreness at the point site. Due to the bony location over the xiphoid process, sensation may be limited. Some patients may feel spreading warmth or mild pressure in the epigastric region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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