ST18 Rǔgēn

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

ST18 (Rǔgēn, “Rǔgēn”) is an acupuncture point on the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the chest, in the fifth intercostal space, directly inferior to the nipple, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline. This point is located in the depression 1.6 cun below the center of the nipple. It unbinds the chest, descends rebellious Qi, benefits the breasts, and alleviates pain.

Location

On the chest, in the fifth intercostal space, directly inferior to the nipple, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline. This point is located in the depression 1.6 cun below the center of the nipple.

Needling

Oblique or transverse insertion 0.5-1 cun. Deep perpendicular insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax.

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TCM functions

Unbinds the chest, descends rebellious Qi, benefits the breasts, and alleviates pain..

Indications

Fullness and pain below the chest, chest fullness and stuffiness, chest pain, rebellious cough, stuck Qi in the diaphragm, difficulty swallowing due to esophageal constriction, arm pain and swelling, breast pain, breast abscess with chills and fever, pain that prevents touch, cholera with muscle spasms, coldness of the four limbs, chest swelling, chest and back distention with wheezing..

Clinical notes

Rugen is a primary local point for conditions of the chest and breast. Its name, 'Root of the Breast,' highlights its classical application for breast abscess, pain, and lactation issues. The classical sources also emphasize its capacity to treat fullness, pain, and rebellious Qi in the chest, such as coughing and wheezing. Furthermore, it is noted for treating severe systemic conditions like cholera with tetany, demonstrating its function in harmonizing the Stomach and descending rebellious Qi.

On the Stomach channel

ST18 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

ST14ST15ST16ST17ST19ST20ST21ST22

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST18 located?

ST18 (Rǔgēn) is located on the chest, in the fifth intercostal space, directly inferior to the nipple, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline. This point is located in the depression 1.6 cun below the center of the nipple.

What is ST18 used for?

ST18 unbinds the chest, descends rebellious Qi, benefits the breasts, and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include fullness and pain below the chest, chest fullness and stuffiness, chest pain, rebellious cough, stuck Qi in the diaphragm, difficulty swallowing due to esophageal constriction, arm pain and swelling, breast pain, breast abscess with chills and fever, pain that prevents touch, cholera with muscle spasms, coldness of the four limbs, chest swelling, chest and back distention with wheezing.

How is ST18 needled?

Oblique or transverse insertion 0.5-1 cun. Deep perpendicular insertion carries a risk of pneumothorax. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall.

Which meridian is ST18 on?

ST18 is a point on the Stomach Meridian (Zú Yángmíng Wèijīng).

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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.