REN17 (Shanzhong, “Shanzhong”) is the Front-Mu of the Pericardium point of the Conception Vessel Meridian. It is located on the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression level with the fourth intercostal space, midway between the nipples. It is also located 1.6 cun inferior to Yutang (REN 18). It regulates Qi and unbinds the chest, descends rebellious Lung and Stomach Qi, benefits the Pericardium and Heart, opens the chest and benefits the breasts.
On the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression level with the fourth intercostal space, midway between the nipples. It is also located 1.6 cun inferior to Yutang (REN 18).
Transverse (subcutaneous) insertion, directed superiorly or inferiorly, 0.3-0.5 cun. Oblique insertion is also used. Perpendicular insertion is contraindicated due to the risk of pneumothorax.
Regulates Qi and unbinds the chest, descends rebellious Lung and Stomach Qi, benefits the Pericardium and Heart, opens the chest and benefits the breasts.
Shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, throat sounds, chest fullness or sensation of blockage, chest pain, pain from wind, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, vomiting of foam, insufficient lactation, lung abscess with pus, sudden heart pain, vexation, sadness, spitting up milk in infants, rebellious qi, diaphragmatic constriction, upward-rushing lung qi, inability to eat, spitting blood, heart vexation, cough with rebellious qi, upper qi.
As the Influential Point of Qi and the Front-Mu of the Pericardium, Shanzhong is a primary point for all disorders of the chest. It is essential for regulating the flow of Qi in the thorax, treating conditions like asthma, cough, and feelings of oppression. Its connection to the Pericardium, the 'palace of the Heart', also makes it a key point for addressing emotional issues such as anxiety and sadness that manifest with chest tightness.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《針灸大成》 Zhēnjiǔ Dàchéng — Great Compendium of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 1601 · 卷九 · Source: Wikisource ↗
膻中（一名元見）玉堂下一寸六分，橫量兩乳中陷中，仰而取之It is located 1.6 cun below Yutang, in the depression midway between the two nipples measured across, and is found with the head tilted back, according to this text; it is also called Yuanjian.
《神應經》 Shényìng Jīng — Classic of Divine Response, Chen Hui, 1425 · 穴法图 · Source: Wikisource ↗
膻中 在两乳间折中而取之，有陷是穴，仰而取之。 禁针，灸七壮止七七According to this text, REN17 is found midway between the two nipples where there is a depression, with the head tilted back; needling is forbidden, and moxibustion of 7 up to 49 cones is applied.
《備急千金要方》 Bèijí Qiānjīn Yàofāng — Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies, c. 650 · 第十三 · Source: Wikisource ↗
胸痺心痛，灸膻中百壯，穴在鳩尾上一寸，忌針The text records that for chest-bi with heart pain, 100 moxa cones were applied at REN17, located 1 cun above Jiuwei (as stated here), and that needling is to be avoided.
《千金翼方》 Qiānjīn Yìfāng — Supplement to the Thousand Gold Prescriptions, c. 682 · 卷27 · Source: Wikisource ↗
治卒噦，灸膻中、中府、胃管各數十壯The text records that for sudden hiccup, several tens of moxa cones each were applied at REN17, Zhongfu and Weiguan.
REN17 is one of 24 points on the Conception Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:
REN17 (Shanzhong) is located on the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression level with the fourth intercostal space, midway between the nipples. It is also located 1.6 cun inferior to Yutang (REN 18).
REN17 regulates Qi and unbinds the chest, descends rebellious Lung and Stomach Qi, benefits the Pericardium and Heart, opens the chest and benefits the breasts. Common clinical indications include shortness of breath, cough, wheezing, throat sounds, chest fullness or sensation of blockage, chest pain, pain from wind, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, vomiting of foam, insufficient lactation, lung abscess with pus, sudden heart pain, vexation, sadness, spitting up milk in infants, rebellious qi, diaphragmatic constriction, upward-rushing lung qi, inability to eat, spitting blood, heart vexation, cough with rebellious qi, upper qi.
Transverse (subcutaneous) insertion, directed superiorly or inferiorly, 0.3-0.5 cun. Oblique insertion is also used. Perpendicular insertion is contraindicated due to the risk of pneumothorax. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall. Classical texts such as the Zi Sheng Jing and Zhen Jiu Ju Ying contain strong warnings against needling this point, stating it could be fatal or shorten life. Modern practice requires shallow, transverse insertion to avoid puncturing the heart or lungs.
REN17 is a point on the Conception Vessel Meridian (Rèn Mài).