REN16 (Zhongting, “Central Courtyard”) is an acupuncture point on the Conception Vessel Meridian. It is located on the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression on the body of the sternum, 1.6 cun inferior to REN-17 (Shanzhong). This point is typically level with the 5th intercostal space. It descends rebellious Qi, unbinds the chest, and harmonizes the Stomach and diaphragm.
On the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression on the body of the sternum, 1.6 cun inferior to REN-17 (Shanzhong). This point is typically level with the 5th intercostal space.
Transverse-oblique (subcutaneous) insertion, directed inferiorly, 0.3-0.5 cun. Deep perpendicular insertion is contraindicated due to the sternum and the risk of damaging underlying structures if the sternum is foramenous.
Descends rebellious Qi, unbinds the chest, and harmonizes the Stomach and diaphragm..
Fullness in the chest and hypochondrium, esophageal constriction, inability to eat or drink, vomiting of food, regurgitation of food, rebellious Qi, vomiting, cold in the diaphragm, infantile vomiting of milk, women's hernia with cold pain in the navel and abdomen radiating to the hypochondrium..
Zhongting is a local point on the chest primarily used for digestive disorders characterized by rebellion and obstruction. Its indications for vomiting, regurgitation, and difficulty swallowing make it useful for conditions like GERD, esophageal spasm, and hiatal hernia when they present with rebellious Stomach Qi. It is particularly indicated when there is a sensation of fullness and blockage in the chest and epigastrium.
REN16 is one of 24 points on the Conception Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:
REN16 (Zhongting) is located on the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression on the body of the sternum, 1.6 cun inferior to REN-17 (Shanzhong). This point is typically level with the 5th intercostal space.
REN16 descends rebellious Qi, unbinds the chest, and harmonizes the Stomach and diaphragm. Common clinical indications include fullness in the chest and hypochondrium, esophageal constriction, inability to eat or drink, vomiting of food, regurgitation of food, rebellious Qi, vomiting, cold in the diaphragm, infantile vomiting of milk, women's hernia with cold pain in the navel and abdomen radiating to the hypochondrium.
Transverse-oblique (subcutaneous) insertion, directed inferiorly, 0.3-0.5 cun. Deep perpendicular insertion is contraindicated due to the sternum and the risk of damaging underlying structures if the sternum is foramenous.
REN16 is a point on the Conception Vessel Meridian (Rèn Mài).