Directing Vessel
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
REN-12
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Abdomen — Upper
Location
On the midline of the abdomen, 4 cun above the umbilicus and 4 cun below the sternocostal angle.
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Stomach and strengthens the Spleen
- Regulates Qi and remove pain
- Expels Dampness and Phlegm
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Commentary
As the Gathering-Hui point of all Yang Organs (Fu Organs), Zhongwan REN-12 has a general tonifying function. However, it is used more in Stomach or Spleen Deficiency patterns as it gently tonifies their Qi. Therefore it can treat symptoms such as poor appetite, fatigue, weak limbs and desire to lie down. It is often used together with Zusanli ST-36.
In additional to Deficiency/Empty pattern , this point can also be applied in Excess/Full patterns such as Qi Stagnation or Rebellious Qi. It promotes Qi movement so as to removes pain, especially in the Middle Burner (the Stomach and Spleen). The typical symptoms are epigastric pain, poor digestion, easily full, nausea, sour regurgitation, nausea, vomiting and epigastric distension.
Expelling Dampness and Phlegm is another important function of REN-12. It is because it strengthens the Spleen's Body Fluids transporting and transforming ability. In fact, it is often used in all Excess patterns of Dampness or Phlegm.
It is also the best point to expel Empty-Cold from the Stomach and the Spleen, particularly with moxa method. Direct moxa cones, indirect moxa stick or moxa boxes are all recommended.
Finally, some traditional TCM books also claim that Zhongwan REN-12 is able to calm the Mind. The emotional stress such as worry, anxiety or pensiveness can cause digestion issues.
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 (针灸甲乙经): "心痛身寒，难以俯仰，心疝气冲胃，死不知人，中脘主之" — Heart pain with cold body, difficulty bending forward and backward, heart shan-disorder with Qi rushing to the Stomach, loss of consciousness, Zhongwan governs these.
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing: "伤忧悁思气积，中脘主之" — Injury from worry, anxiety, and accumulated pensiveness Qi, Zhongwan governs this.
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing: "腹胀不通，寒中伤食，饮食不化，中脘主之" — Abdominal distension with obstruction, Cold damaging the middle affecting food, undigested food, Zhongwan governs these.
Ling Shu (灵枢), Chapter 33 (Sea of Qi): Listed as one of the Four Seas points, specifically as the Sea of Food and Water (水谷之海).
How to Locate
On the midline of the abdomen, divide the distance between the umbilicus and the sternocostal angle into 8 cun. Zhongwan REN-12 is located 4 cun above umbilicus. Or find the middle point between the umbilicus and the sternocostal angle.
Caution
Exercise caution with needle depth as the Stomach, pancreas, and abdominal aorta lie deep to this point. Thin patients are at higher risk of peritoneal penetration. For patients with enlarged liver or spleen, avoid oblique needling to the left or right. Reduce stimulation during pregnancy. Do not use moxa if the pain is sharp or of excess-heat nature.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.8–1.5 cun vertically or obliquely towards surrounding points of Liangmen ST-21, Xiawan REN-10 or Jiuwei REN-15.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and heaviness in the epigastric region, often radiating throughout the upper abdomen. The sensation may spread to surrounding areas including the umbilical region. Some patients report a warm, comfortable sensation with appropriate needling depth.
Moxibustion
Particularly Recommended
Duration: 15–30 minutes (stick moxa); 5–10 cones (direct moxa)
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Organ & Tissue Associations
Front-Mu Point for:
Stomach
Hui-Gathering Point for:
Fu
Four Seas Classification
Sea Type:
Sea of Food (Water & Grain)
Command Point
Commands region:
Chest & Abdomen
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians