ST17 (Ruzhong, “Ruzhong”) is an acupuncture point on the Stomach Meridian. Located at the center of the nipple, in the fourth intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline. It this point is primarily used as an anatomical landmark and is not typically manipulated due to its sensitive location. The classics note it is where the Stomach channel's qi manifests.
Located at the center of the nipple, in the fourth intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
This point is not needled in modern practice. It serves as a crucial anatomical landmark for locating other points on the chest and abdomen.
This point is primarily used as an anatomical landmark and is not typically manipulated due to its sensitive location. The classics note it is where the Stomach channel's qi manifests.
Ruzhong is not used for treatment but is an essential landmark for locating all other points on the chest. It establishes the vertical line 4 cun lateral to the midline, upon which points ST13 through ST18 are situated. The extensive classical discussion on mastitis and breast abscesses under this point's entry in the Zhen Jiu Ju Ying highlights the diagnostic importance of the breast region in traditional medicine, linking it to Liver qi stagnation and Stomach heat.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《醫學綱目·刺灸》 Yīxué Gāngmù · Cìjiǔ — Outline of Medicine: Needling and Moxibustion, Lou Ying, 1565 · 卷之八·陰陽臟腑部 · 穴法下 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
乳中二穴，當乳足陽明脈氣所發。 禁不可灸，灸則生蝕瘡。 瘡中有汁膿血可治，瘡中有瘜肉，若蝕瘡者死。 宜淺刺二分According to this text, ST17 lies at the nipple, where the foot Yangming qi emerges; moxibustion is stated to be prohibited, as it produces eroding sores: if the sore contains fluid, pus and blood it can be managed, but if it has fleshy growths like an eroding sore the outcome is fatal. Only shallow needling of 0.2 cun is advised.
《針灸大成》 Zhēnjiǔ Dàchéng — Great Compendium of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 1601 · 卷八 · Source: Wikisource ↗
乳中 當乳中是方銅人微刺三分，禁灸，灸則生蝕瘡，瘡中有濃血，清汁可治， 瘡中有息肉，若蝕瘡者死。 素問云：刺乳上，中乳房為腫根蝕According to this text, ST17 lies at the centre of the nipple; the Tongren allows only slight needling of 0.3 cun and prohibits moxibustion, which produces eroding sores (treatable if they contain pus, blood or clear fluid, fatal if they have fleshy growths). It cites the Suwen that needling above the breast into the breast tissue causes swelling and eroding roots.
《針灸甲乙經》 Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng — Systematic Classic of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, c. 256–282 · 卷03 · Source: Wikisource ↗
乳中，禁不可刺灸，灸刺之，不幸生蝕瘡，瘡中有膿血清汁者可治，瘡中有息肉若蝕瘡者死The text states that ST17 must not be needled or moxibusted; if this is done, eroding sores may unfortunately arise, which are treatable if they contain pus, blood or clear fluid, but fatal if they contain fleshy growths like an eroding sore.
ST17 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:
Located at the center of the nipple, in the fourth intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
ST17 this point is primarily used as an anatomical landmark and is not typically manipulated due to its sensitive location. The classics note it is where the Stomach channel's qi manifests.
This point is not needled in modern practice. It serves as a crucial anatomical landmark for locating other points on the chest and abdomen. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall. The classical texts are unanimous and emphatic in their warnings against needling or applying moxibustion to this point. The Jia Yi Jing and Zi Sheng Jing warn that improper treatment can lead to the formation of an erosive sore. If this sore contains clear fluid or pus and blood, it is treatable; however, if a fleshy growth appears or the sore becomes erosive, it is considered a fatal sign.
ST17 is a point on the Stomach Meridian (Zú Yángmíng Wèijīng).