REN12 Zhongwan

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

REN12 (Zhongwan, “Zhongwan”) is the Front-Mu of the Stomach point of the Conception Vessel Meridian. It is located on the anterior midline of the abdomen, 4 cun superior to the umbilicus, at the midpoint of the line connecting the xiphisternal synchondrosis and the center of the umbilicus. It harmonizes the Middle Jiao, regulates Stomach Qi, descends rebellious Qi, tonifies the Spleen and Stomach, resolves Dampness, and alleviates pain. It is a primary point for all disorders of the Fu organs, especially the Stomach.

Location

On the anterior midline of the abdomen, 4 cun superior to the umbilicus, at the midpoint of the line connecting the xiphisternal synchondrosis and the center of the umbilicus.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.8 to 1.5 cun. Deep insertion carries a risk of perforating the peritoneum or stomach, especially in thin patients.

TCM functions

Harmonizes the Middle Jiao, regulates Stomach Qi, descends rebellious Qi, tonifies the Spleen and Stomach, resolves Dampness, and alleviates pain. It is a primary point for all disorders of the Fu organs, especially the Stomach..

Indications

Abdominal distention, sudden abdominal fullness, spleen pain, inability to eat, vomiting, red and white dysentery, cold accumulation, heart pain due to Qi, moving masses below the heart (fuliang), sensation of a cup overturned below the heart, facial puffiness and sallow complexion, epidemic febrile disease with unremitting fever, warm malaria, cholera with vomiting and diarrhea, inability to control defecation, undigested food in stool, heart pain, body coldness, inability to bend forward or backward, belching, hiccups, five types of esophageal obstruction, incessant wheezing, evil strike (zhong'e), stomach cold, stomach repletion, stomach pain, difficulty with defecation, intestinal rumbling, pain that radiates to the heart, stomach deficiency..

Front-Mu of the StomachEight Influential Point (Fu organs)

Clinical notes

As the Front-Mu point of the Stomach and the Influential Point of the Fu-organs, Zhongwan is a master point for all digestive disorders. It harmonizes the relationship between the Spleen and Stomach, making it essential for treating both excess and deficiency patterns of the Middle Jiao, such as epigastric pain, bloating, nausea, and poor appetite. Classical sources strongly emphasize the efficacy of moxibustion here, particularly for cold and deficient conditions causing severe pain and inability to eat. Its ability to regulate Qi makes it useful for rebellious Stomach Qi (vomiting, hiccups) and stagnant Qi (distention, pain).

On the Conception Vessel channel

REN12 is one of 24 points on the Conception Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is REN12 located?

REN12 (Zhongwan) is located on the anterior midline of the abdomen, 4 cun superior to the umbilicus, at the midpoint of the line connecting the xiphisternal synchondrosis and the center of the umbilicus.

What is REN12 used for?

REN12 harmonizes the Middle Jiao, regulates Stomach Qi, descends rebellious Qi, tonifies the Spleen and Stomach, resolves Dampness, and alleviates pain. It is a primary point for all disorders of the Fu organs, especially the Stomach. Common clinical indications include abdominal distention, sudden abdominal fullness, spleen pain, inability to eat, vomiting, red and white dysentery, cold accumulation, heart pain due to Qi, moving masses below the heart (fuliang), sensation of a cup overturned below the heart, facial puffiness and sallow complexion, epidemic febrile disease with unremitting fever, warm malaria, cholera with vomiting and diarrhea, inability to control defecation, undigested food in stool, heart pain, body coldness, inability to bend forward or backward, belching, hiccups, five types of esophageal obstruction, incessant wheezing, evil strike (zhong'e), stomach cold, stomach repletion, stomach pain, difficulty with defecation, intestinal rumbling, pain that radiates to the heart, stomach deficiency.

How is REN12 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.8 to 1.5 cun. Deep insertion carries a risk of perforating the peritoneum or stomach, especially in thin patients.

Which meridian is REN12 on?

REN12 is a point on the Conception Vessel Meridian (Rèn Mài).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.