REN18 (Yutang, “Jade Hall”) is an acupuncture point on the Conception Vessel Meridian. It is located on the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression on the sternum at the level of the 3rd intercostal space, 1.6 cun inferior to REN19 (Zigong). It unbinds the chest, descends rebellious Qi, calms the spirit, and alleviates pain.
On the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression on the sternum at the level of the 3rd intercostal space, 1.6 cun inferior to REN19 (Zigong).
Transverse-oblique (subcutaneous) insertion, directed superiorly or inferiorly, 0.3-0.5 cun. Deep perpendicular insertion is contraindicated due to the risk of puncturing the heart.
Unbinds the chest, descends rebellious Qi, calms the spirit, and alleviates pain.
Chest fullness with inability to breathe, wheezing, pain in the chest and sternum, vomiting of cold phlegm, upsurging qi with vexation of the heart, cough with reversal of qi, bone pain, shortness of breath, vexation and restlessness, vomiting.
Yutang is a key local point for disorders of the chest, particularly when there is a sense of fullness, oppression, and pain. It is effective for calming rebellious Lung and Stomach Qi, making it useful for conditions like asthma, wheezing, cough, and vomiting, especially when accompanied by phlegm. Its ability to address 'heart vexation' also points to its role in soothing the spirit when it is disturbed by physical congestion in the chest.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《針灸甲乙經》 Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng — Systematic Classic of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, c. 256–282 · 卷03 · Source: Wikisource ↗
一名玉英，在紫宮下一寸六分陷者中，任脈氣所發，仰頭取之，刺入三分，灸五壯According to this text, REN18 (also called Yuying) lies in a depression 1.6 cun below Zigong, where the Ren vessel qi emerges, found with the head tilted back; it is needled 3 fen with 5 moxa cones.
《醫學入門》 Yīxué Rùmén — Introduction to Medicine, Li Chan, 1575 · 经穴起止 · Source: Wikisource ↗
玉堂紫宫下一寸六分陷中。 针三分，灸五壮。 主胸满喘息，膺骨痛，呕逆上气烦心，呕吐寒痰According to this text, REN18 lies in a depression 1.6 cun below Zigong, needled 3 fen with 5 moxa cones, and was used for chest fullness with panting, pain of the breastbone, vomiting with rising qi and vexed heart, and vomiting of cold phlegm.
《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 ↗
玉堂一穴，主胸膺痛，煩心，咳逆上氣，胸滿不得息，喘急，嘔吐寒痰The text records that REN18 (a single point) was used for pain of the chest and breast, vexed heart, cough with rising qi, chest fullness with difficulty breathing, urgent panting, and vomiting of cold phlegm.
REN18 is one of 24 points on the Conception Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:
REN18 (Yutang) is located on the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression on the sternum at the level of the 3rd intercostal space, 1.6 cun inferior to REN19 (Zigong).
REN18 unbinds the chest, descends rebellious Qi, calms the spirit, and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include chest fullness with inability to breathe, wheezing, pain in the chest and sternum, vomiting of cold phlegm, upsurging qi with vexation of the heart, cough with reversal of qi, bone pain, shortness of breath, vexation and restlessness, vomiting.
Transverse-oblique (subcutaneous) insertion, directed superiorly or inferiorly, 0.3-0.5 cun. Deep perpendicular insertion is contraindicated due to the risk of puncturing the heart. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall.
REN18 is a point on the Conception Vessel Meridian (Rèn Mài).