REN13 Upper Stomach Cavity

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

REN13 (Shangwan, “Upper Stomach Cavity”) is an acupuncture point on the Conception Vessel Meridian. It is located on the anterior midline, 5 cun superior to the umbilicus and 3 cun inferior to the sternocostal angle. This is 1 cun superior to Zhongwan (REN12). It harmonizes the stomach, descends rebellious Qi, transforms food stagnation, calms the spirit, and resolves phlegm.

Location

On the anterior midline, 5 cun superior to the umbilicus and 3 cun inferior to the sternocostal angle. This is 1 cun superior to Zhongwan (REN12).

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.2 inches. Deep insertion carries a risk of penetrating the peritoneal cavity or injuring the liver, especially in cases of hepatomegaly.

TCM functions

Harmonizes the stomach, descends rebellious Qi, transforms food stagnation, calms the spirit, and resolves phlegm..

Indications

Stomach pain, heart pain, inability to lie down, vomiting, food not transforming, abdominal distension, abdominal fullness, borborygmus, abdominal stabbing pain, cholera with vomiting and diarrhea, body heat with no sweating, reversal cold of the limbs, phlegm and excess saliva, sudden heart pain, wind-epilepsy, heat disease, jaundice (mahuang), palpitations and fright, vomiting blood, accumulation and aggregation as large as a plate, consumptive disease with vomiting blood, inability to eat, five types of poison vexation, phlegm accumulation in the upper diaphragm causing dizziness and tidal fever, undigested food in the stool, hiccup, belching, stomach repletion, stomach cold, stomach heat, food stagnation..

Clinical notes

Shangwan is a primary point for disorders of the upper stomach, particularly those involving rebellious Qi such as vomiting, nausea, hiccup, and reflux. It is effective for both acute conditions like food stagnation and cholera, and chronic issues like poor digestion and stomach pain. Its ability to address phlegm and calm the spirit makes it useful for conditions where digestive disharmony leads to mental-emotional symptoms like anxiety or insomnia.

On the Conception Vessel channel

REN13 is one of 24 points on the Conception Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is REN13 located?

REN13 (Shangwan) is located on the anterior midline, 5 cun superior to the umbilicus and 3 cun inferior to the sternocostal angle. This is 1 cun superior to Zhongwan (REN12).

What is REN13 used for?

REN13 harmonizes the stomach, descends rebellious Qi, transforms food stagnation, calms the spirit, and resolves phlegm. Common clinical indications include stomach pain, heart pain, inability to lie down, vomiting, food not transforming, abdominal distension, abdominal fullness, borborygmus, abdominal stabbing pain, cholera with vomiting and diarrhea, body heat with no sweating, reversal cold of the limbs, phlegm and excess saliva, sudden heart pain, wind-epilepsy, heat disease, jaundice (mahuang), palpitations and fright, vomiting blood, accumulation and aggregation as large as a plate, consumptive disease with vomiting blood, inability to eat, five types of poison vexation, phlegm accumulation in the upper diaphragm causing dizziness and tidal fever, undigested food in the stool, hiccup, belching, stomach repletion, stomach cold, stomach heat, food stagnation.

How is REN13 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.2 inches. Deep insertion carries a risk of penetrating the peritoneal cavity or injuring the liver, especially in cases of hepatomegaly.

Which meridian is REN13 on?

REN13 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.