REN19 Purple Palace

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

REN19 (Zigong, “Purple Palace”) 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 2nd intercostal space, 1.6 cun inferior to Huagai (REN20). This point is located with the patient in a supine position or with the head tilted back. It unbinds the chest, descends rebellious Qi, alleviates pain, and resolves phlegm.

Location

On the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression on the sternum at the level of the 2nd intercostal space, 1.6 cun inferior to Huagai (REN20). This point is located with the patient in a supine position or with the head tilted back.

Needling

Transverse-oblique insertion, directed inferiorly along the sternum, 0.3-0.5 cun. Needling should be done with caution to avoid penetrating the sternum or injuring the underlying structures if there is a sternal foramen.

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TCM functions

Unbinds the chest, descends rebellious Qi, alleviates pain, and resolves phlegm..

Indications

Chest and rib fullness and distention, pain in the chest and sternum, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and rebellion of Qi, vexation of the heart, cough with rebellious Qi, vomiting blood, spitting saliva like white glue, pain in the bones..

Clinical notes

Zigong is a significant local point on the sternum for treating disorders of the chest, particularly those involving rebellious Lung and Stomach Qi. It is effective for conditions like coughing, wheezing, and vomiting, especially when accompanied by a sensation of fullness or pain in the chest. Its actions on descending Qi and clearing the chest make it useful for both acute and chronic respiratory and digestive complaints centered in the upper jiao.

On the Conception Vessel channel

REN19 is one of 24 points on the Conception Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:

REN15REN16REN17REN18REN20REN21REN22REN23

Frequently asked questions

Where is REN19 located?

REN19 (Zigong) is located on the anterior midline of the chest, in a depression on the sternum at the level of the 2nd intercostal space, 1.6 cun inferior to Huagai (REN20). This point is located with the patient in a supine position or with the head tilted back.

What is REN19 used for?

REN19 unbinds the chest, descends rebellious Qi, alleviates pain, and resolves phlegm. Common clinical indications include chest and rib fullness and distention, pain in the chest and sternum, difficulty swallowing, vomiting and rebellion of Qi, vexation of the heart, cough with rebellious Qi, vomiting blood, spitting saliva like white glue, pain in the bones.

How is REN19 needled?

Transverse-oblique insertion, directed inferiorly along the sternum, 0.3-0.5 cun. Needling should be done with caution to avoid penetrating the sternum or injuring the underlying structures if there is a sternal foramen. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall.

Which meridian is REN19 on?

REN19 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.