REN3 Zhongji

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

REN3 (Zhongji, “Zhongji”) is the Front-Mu of the Bladder point of the Conception Vessel Meridian. It is located on the anterior midline of the lower abdomen, 4 cun inferior to the umbilicus, or 1 cun superior to the pubic symphysis. It regulates the Bladder and urination, resolves Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao, tonifies Kidney Qi, regulates menstruation and the uterus, dispels cold and alleviates pain, and revives consciousness from collapse.

Location

On the anterior midline of the lower abdomen, 4 cun inferior to the umbilicus, or 1 cun superior to the pubic symphysis.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun. The bladder should be empty before needling. Deep insertion may puncture the full bladder.

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TCM functions

Regulates the Bladder and urination, resolves Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao, tonifies Kidney Qi, regulates menstruation and the uterus, dispels cold and alleviates pain, and revives consciousness from collapse..

Indications

Dazed corpse-like collapse , vexing pain, abdominal fullness like a water swelling, a hard and stone-like lower abdomen, cold in the kidneys, abdominal masses and accumulations, diarrhea, urinary frequency, seminal emission, infertility in men, retained placenta, postpartum persistent flow of lochia, irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, uterine masses, uterine swelling and pain, difficult urination or urinary retention (including from 'twisted bladder'), cold in the lower abdomen, itching and heat in the genitals, pain in the genitals, hunger without desire to eat, emaciation with cold and heat, running piglet qi rushing to the heart, abdominal heat, umbilical masses, cold qi in the abdomen, urinary bleeding, stone and five types of painful urinary dysfunction (lin), menstrual irregularities..

Front-Mu of the Bladder

Clinical notes

As the Front-Mu point of the Bladder, Zhongji is a primary point for all urinary disorders, including retention, frequency, painful urination, and incontinence. Its role as a meeting point of the three foot yin channels makes it crucial for treating a wide range of gynecological issues like irregular menstruation, uterine masses, and infertility. The classical texts also highlight its ability to treat 'Running Piglet Qi' and sudden collapse (corpse-like), indicating its function in regulating qi in the lower abdomen and restoring consciousness.

On the Conception Vessel channel

REN3 is one of 24 points on the Conception Vessel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is REN3 located?

REN3 (Zhongji) is located on the anterior midline of the lower abdomen, 4 cun inferior to the umbilicus, or 1 cun superior to the pubic symphysis.

What is REN3 used for?

REN3 regulates the Bladder and urination, resolves Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao, tonifies Kidney Qi, regulates menstruation and the uterus, dispels cold and alleviates pain, and revives consciousness from collapse. Common clinical indications include dazed corpse-like collapse , vexing pain, abdominal fullness like a water swelling, a hard and stone-like lower abdomen, cold in the kidneys, abdominal masses and accumulations, diarrhea, urinary frequency, seminal emission, infertility in men, retained placenta, postpartum persistent flow of lochia, irregular menstruation, uterine bleeding, uterine masses, uterine swelling and pain, difficult urination or urinary retention (including from 'twisted bladder'), cold in the lower abdomen, itching and heat in the genitals, pain in the genitals, hunger without desire to eat, emaciation with cold and heat, running piglet qi rushing to the heart, abdominal heat, umbilical masses, cold qi in the abdomen, urinary bleeding, stone and five types of painful urinary dysfunction (lin), menstrual irregularities.

How is REN3 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun. The bladder should be empty before needling. Deep insertion may puncture the full bladder. Caution: Traditionally avoided or used with caution in PREGNANCY (strong qi/blood-moving or labour-promoting action). The classics do not list specific cautions for this point, unlike the adjacent point Shimen (REN5) which is noted to cause infertility in women if needled or moxa'd.

Which meridian is REN3 on?

REN3 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.