Shanzhong (CV17)
Shanzhong (CV17), “Middle of the Chest”, is a point on the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel). It is point 17 of the 24 on the channel. Influential point for Qi.
Location
On the sternum, at the level of the 4th intercostal space, on the midline.
Functions according to tradition
Influential point for Qi. Regulates chest Qi, descends rebellious Qi, opens the chest, benefits the Pericardium.
Traditional indications
- Asthma
- Dyspnea
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Mastitis
- Insufficient lactation
- Anxiety
Indications described by tradition; they do not amount to proven clinical effectiveness for each one.
What its classification means
On the chest or abdomen, where the Qi of an organ “gathers”. Its tenderness to pressure guides diagnosis; it is used more in acute conditions and those of the fu organs.
One of the eight points that tradition credits with a special influence over a tissue or substance: Qi, Blood, tendons, marrow, vessels, bones, zang organs or fu organs.
Precautions
Over the sternum: needle transversely and shallowly.
Points on other channels with similar indications
They share several traditional indications with this point. Comparing them helps understand why one or the other is chosen.
- KI25 Shencang (Kidney): Anxiety, Asthma, Chest pain
- SP18 Tianxi (Spleen): Chest pain, Insufficient lactation, Mastitis
- ST18 Rugen (Stomach): Chest pain, Insufficient lactation, Mastitis
- BL44 Shentang (Bladder): Anxiety, Palpitations
- KI23 Shenfeng (Kidney): Anxiety, Mastitis
- KI27 Shufu (Kidney): Asthma, Chest pain
Point profile
- Code
- CV17
- Pinyin name
- Shān Zhōng
- Characters
- 膻中
- Translation
- Middle of the Chest
- Meridian
- Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
- Classification
- Front-Mu (PC), Influential point of Qi
- Topics
- Chest, Breathing, Qi
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
