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.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《類經圖翼》 Lèijīng Túyì — Illustrated Wings to the Classified Canon, Zhang Jiebin, 1624 · 卷八 · 經絡（六） · 任脈穴 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
中庭 在膻中下一寸六分陷中，仰而取之。 刺三分，灸五壯。 主治胸脅支滿，噎塞吐逆，食入還出，小兒吐乳According to this text, REN16 lies in a depression 1.6 cun below Shanzhong, found with the head tilted back; it is needled 3 fen with 5 moxa cones and was used for propping fullness of chest and flanks, choking, vomiting food back up after eating, and milk vomiting in infants.
《黃帝明堂灸經》 Huángdì Míngtáng Jiǔjīng — The Yellow Emperor's Bright Hall Moxibustion Classic, Tang · 卷上 · 正人形第十六 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
中庭 一穴，在膻中下一寸宛宛中。 灸三壯。 主食飲不下，嘔逆，食下還出也According to this text, REN16 (a single point) lies in a hollow 1 cun below Shanzhong and receives 3 moxa cones; it was used for inability to take food or drink, vomiting with counterflow, and food coming back up.
《針方六集》 Zhēnfāng Liùjí — Six Collections on Needling, Wu Kun, 1618 · 卷之五·紛署集 · 胸自天突循任脈下行至中庭凡七穴第十四 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
中庭一穴，主胸脅支滿，噎塞食飲不下，嘔吐痰涎，食入復出，小兒吐奶The text records that REN16 (a single point) was used for propping fullness of chest and flanks, choking with inability to take food and drink, vomiting phlegm and saliva, food coming back up after eating, and milk vomiting in infants.
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).