Verscienta
CV17

Tanzhong

Star

膻中 (Dànzhōng) — Chest Centre

Ren (Conception) channel · point 17

Not yet clinically reviewed

Front-Mu point of the PericardiumHui-Meeting point of qiSea of Qi pointMeeting point of the Ren Mai with the Spleen, Kidney, Small Intestine and Triple Energiser channels

Traditionally used for

  • Nose & throat
  • Cough & breathing
  • Digestion
  • Menstrual & women's health
  • Mood & calm
  • Heart & circulation

Location

On the chest, on the anterior midline, level with the fourth intercostal space; in men this usually falls midway between the nipples.

How to locate: Find the sternal angle, the horizontal ridge where the manubrium meets the body of the sternum beside the second rib, and count down from the second intercostal space to the fourth; the point is on the midline at that level. In men it usually lies between the nipples; in women rely on the intercostal count.

Regional anatomy: Skin and a thin subcutaneous layer directly over the periosteum of the body of the sternum; a congenital sternal foramen is occasionally present here, so perpendicular needling is avoided in favour of transverse insertion.

Distances are in cun, a proportional unit — how to measure.

Body map, front: CV17 · Chest
Fig. — CV17 · Chest After Albinus, 1747
Body map, front: CV17 · Chest

CV17 · Chest · Albinus, Tabulae sceleti et musculorum, 1747

The thorax, from in front — Gray's Anatomy plate
The thorax, from in front Gray's Anatomy, 1918
The thorax, from in front — Gray's Anatomy plate

The thorax, from in front · Gray's Anatomy, 1918

Needling

Cited needling

Techniques — the source gives these as alternatives:

  1. Transverse insertion — directed superiorly or inferiorly along the channel
    Depth 0.5–1 cun
    skindeeper
  2. Transverse insertion — directed laterally towards the breasts, for breast disorders
    Depth 1–1.5 cun
    skindeeper

Depths describe average adult habitus in the cited population, never a single safe number for the patient in front of you. Palpate and adjust.

Sources (1)
  1. Deadman P, Al-Khafaji M, Baker K. A Manual of Acupuncture. Hove: Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications; 1998 — p. 518 Supports: techniques (names this point)

Site notes · not cited

Depth: 0.3–0.5 cun
Angle: Transverse, directed inferiorly or toward the affected breast
⚠ Cautions: Transverse insertion only (over the sternum).

Functions

  • Regulates qi and unbinds the chest
  • Descends rebellious Lung and Stomach qi
  • Benefits the breast and promotes lactation
  • Calms the spirit

Indications

Chest oppression, tightness and paincough, asthma and shortness of breathinsufficient lactation and mastitispalpitations and anxietyhiccup, belching and vomitingdepression and a lump sensation in the throatbreast distension

Clinical Notes

The Hui-Meeting point of qi and the Sea of Qi — the point for any presentation where qi is stuck in the chest, from asthma to grief. Frequently exquisitely tender in anxiety and constraint.

Combinations Using This Point

Tanzhong and Qimen

CV17 with LV14 — a chest-and-flank pairing that frees Liver qi and brings rebellious qi down in hypochondriac pain, belching and hiccup.

Neiguan and Tanzhong

PC6 and CV17, the Luo and Front-Mu points of the Pericardium — for palpitations, chest pain and oppression, restlessness, insomnia and hiccup.

Zhongwan, Qihai and Tanzhong

CV12, CV6 and CV17 on the Ren Mai — a three-level set that opens the chest and sends rebellious Lung and Stomach qi back down.

Sources

  • World Health Organization. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region. Manila: WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, 2008. (Location.)
  • Focks C, ed. Atlas of Acupuncture. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2008. (Locating method and actions.)

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