Stomach Meridian
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ST-17
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Needling contraindicated
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
- Contraindicated during pregnancy
Needle Depth
N/A cun
Body Area
Chest
Location
In the center of the nipple.
Main Actions
- Serves as anatomical landmark only
- No therapeutic actions - contraindicated for all treatments
Commentary
Contradicted for needling or any other type of therapies. Ruzhong ST-17 is only used for location reference.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》(Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing): "乳中，禁不可刺灸" — "Ruzhong is prohibited from needling and moxibustion."
《备急千金要方》(Beiji Qianjin Yaofang): "乳中，禁不灸刺" — "Ruzhong is prohibited from moxibustion and needling."
《铜人腧穴针灸图经》(Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing): "微刺三分，禁灸，灸则生蚀疮" — "Very shallow needling of three fen, moxibustion prohibited, as moxibustion causes erosive sores."
《素问·刺禁论》(Suwen - On Needling Prohibitions): "刺乳上，中乳房为肿根蚀" — "Needling on the breast, hitting the center of the breast causes swelling and erosive root."
《针灸大成》(Zhenjiu Dacheng) - Zhu Danxi commentary: "乳房，阳明胃所经；乳头，厥阴肝所属" — "The breast belongs to the Yangming Stomach channel; the nipple belongs to the Jueyin Liver."
How to Locate
In the center of the nipple, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, at the level of the 4th intercostal space.
Caution
ST-17 Ruzhong is absolutely contraindicated for all forms of acupuncture stimulation including needling, moxibustion, cupping, bloodletting, and gua sha. This prohibition dates back to the earliest classical texts including the Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经). The point is located directly on the nipple, an area rich in sensitive nerve endings, blood vessels, and lactiferous ducts. Classical texts warn that needling or moxibustion at this location can cause serious erosive sores, infection, and tissue damage. In modern practice, this point serves exclusively as an anatomical reference for locating other points on the chest and abdomen - specifically, the standard measurement of 8 cun between the two nipples is used as a key proportion for point location.
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
N/A cun
Needling Directions
Contradicted for needling or any other type of therapies. Ruzhong ST-17 is only used for location reference.
Expected Deqi Sensation
N/A - This point is contraindicated for needling and should not be stimulated. It serves only as an anatomical landmark.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A - Moxibustion contraindicated
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Contraindicated
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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