Acupoints of the Ren Meridian
任脉及其主要穴位
I. General distribution of Ren Meridian
1. Both Ren and Du Meridians originate from the inside of the lower abdomen.
2. Along the midline of the front of the trunk.
3. Connects with both internal and external genitals, and eyes.
4. Meets the Du Meridian at both the perineum and lower jaw. All Yin meridians of the Foot meet Ren Meridian at RN3-Zhongji and RN4-Guanyuan.
II. Main indications
l Diseases of the external genitals, including swelling, itching or pain of the external genitals; impotence or priapism.
l Women’s disorders, including dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, infertility, and prolapse of the uterus.
l Disturbance of the san jiao, including sore throat, cough, asthma and shortness of breath in the Upper Jiao; pain and distention in the epigastric region, vomiting, hiccups and anorexia in the Middle Jiao; enuresis, retention or incontinence of urine, dysuria and diarrhea in the Lower Jiao.
III. Main acupoints of the Ren Meridian
RN1 Huìyīn 会阴 (Meeting of Yin)
Location: On the perineum, at the midpoint between the root of the scrotum and the anus in males, and at the midpoint between the posterior labial commissure and the anus in females.
Classification: Crossing point of the Ren, Du and Chong Vessels
Indications:
1. Constipation and dysuria, or incontinence of feces and urine, hemorrhoids. prolapse of rectum
2. Spermatorrhea, impotence, pruritus vulva
3. Asphyxiation from drowning, loss of consciousness, manic psychosis
Functions:Nourishes Kidney Yin, resolves Damp-Heat, resuscitates, treats prolapse.
Needling:Perpendicular insertion 0.5 - 1.0 cun.
RN2 Qūgǔ 曲骨 (Curved Bone)
Location: On the anterior median line of the lower abdomen, at the midpoint of the upper border of the symphysis pubis.
Classification: Crossing point of the Ren Vessel and the Liver Meridian
Indications:
1. Dysuria, enuresis
2. Spermatorrhea, impotence
3. Irregular menstruation, leukorrhea
Functions:Regulates the Lower Jiao, tonifies the Kidneys, clears Heat, resolves Dampness, regulates menstruation.
Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 1.5 cun. Empty bladder before needling.
RN3 Zhōngjí 中极 (Middle Pole)
Location: On the anterior median line of the lower abdomen, 4 cun below the umbilicus.
Classification: Front-Mu point of the Urinary BladderCrossing point of the Ren Vessel and the Three Yin Meridians of the Foot - (Spleen, Liver and Kidney)
Indications:
1.Enuresis, dysuria
2.Spermatorrhea, impotence
3.Irregular menstruation, metrorrhagia, leukorrhea, prolapse of the uterus, infertility
4.Hernia
Functions:Benefits the Urinary Bladder, benefits urination, regulates the Lower Jiao, resolves Damp-Heat.
Notes: Front-Mu points can be used to treat diseases of the affected Zang-Fu organ, and those of Yang meridians and collaterals. They treat diseases of Six Fu-organs and diseases of yang meridians. An adverse reaction when a Front-Mu point is pressed can help make a diagnosis.
Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 1.5 cun. Empty bladder before needling.
RN4 Guānyuán 关元 (Gate of Origin)
Location: On the anterior median line of the lower abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus.
Classification: Front-Mu point of the Small IntestineCrossing point of the Ren Vessel and the Three Yin Meridians of the Foot - (Spleen, Liver and Kidney)
Indications:
1.Impotence, spermatorrhea, enuresis, frequent micturition, retention of urine
2.Irregular menstruation, metrorrhagia, morbid leukorrhea, dysmenorrhea, prolapse of the uterus, infertility, postpartum hemorrhage
3.Flaccidity of apoplexy, emaciation due to consumptive disease
4.Diarrhea, prolapse of rectum, dyspepsia
Functions:Strengthens, nourishes the Kidneys (Qi, Yin and Yang), nourishes Essence, benefits Original Qi, calms the Shen, benefits menstruation and the uterus.
Notes: RN 4 has the function to tonify, as well as maintain health. Front-Mu points can be used to treat diseases of the affected Zang-Fu organ, and those of Yang meridians and collaterals. They treat diseases of Six Fu-organs and diseases of yang meridians. An adverse reaction when a Front-Mu point is pressed can help make a diagnosis.
Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 2.0 cun.
RN5 Shímén 石门 (Stone Gate)
Location: On the anterior median line of the lower abdomen, 2 cun below the umbilicus.
Classification: Front-Mu point of the San Jiao
Indications:
1. Dysuria, edema
2. Hernia, abdominal pain, diarrhea
3. Amenorrhea, morbid leukorrhea, metrorrhagia
Functions:Opens and regulates the water passages, promotes the function of the San Jiao, regulates Qi.
Notes: Front-Mu points can be used to treat diseases of the affected Zang-Fu organ, and those of Yang meridians and collaterals. They treat diseases of Six Fu-organs and diseases of yang meridians. An adverse reaction when a Front-Mu point is pressed can help make a diagnosis.
Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 2.0 cun.
RN6 Qìhaĭ 气海 (Sea of Qi)
Location: On the anterior median line of the lower abdomen, 1.5 cun below the umbilicus.
Indications:
1. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation
2. Enuresis
3. Hernia
4. Spermatorrhea, impotence
5. Irregular menstruation, amenorrhea
6. Emaciation due to consumptive disease
Functions:Strengthens Kidney Qi and Yang, regulates Qi, benefits Original Qi, treats prolapse.
Notes: RN 6 has the function to tonify, as well as maintain health.
Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 2.0 cun.
RN8 Shénquè 神阙 (Spirit Gateway)
Location: In the middle of the abdomen, in the center of the umbilicus.
Indications:
1. Flaccidity of apoplexy, coldness of the four extremities
2. Chronic diarrhea, hemihidrosis (sweating on only one side of the body)
3. Edema
4. Dysmenorrhea, abdominal distension or pain
5. Cold in the Middle and Lower Jiaos
Functions:Rescues Yang collapse, resuscitates, warms Yang, regulates the intestines.
Needling:Indirect moxibustion with moxa stick, or moxibustion on some type of material (salt, ginger, etc.).
RN9 Shuǐfēn 水分 (Water Separation)
Location: On the anterior median line of the upper abdomen, 1.0 cun above the umbilicus.
Indications:
1. Edema, retention of urine
2. Abdominal pain, diarrhea, regurgitation of food from stomach
Functions:Opens and regulates the water passages, treats edema.
Needling:Perpendicular insertion .5 - 1.0 cun.
RN10 Xìawăn 下脘 (Lower Epigastrium)
Location: On the anterior median line of the upper abdomen, 2.0 cun above the umbilicus.
Classification: Crossing point of the Ren Vessel and the Urinary Bladder Meridian
Indications:
1. Epigastric pain, abdominal distention, diarrhea, hiccup
Functions:Descends Stomach Qi, relieves Food Stagnation, harmonizes the Middle Jiao.
Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 2.0 cun.
RN12 Zhongwan 中脘 (Middle Epigastrium)
Location: On the anterior median line of the upper abdomen, 4.0 cun above the umbilicus.
Classification: Front-Mu point of the StomachConverging Point of the Fu-Organs
Crossing point of the Ren Vessel and Small Intestine, San Jiao and Stomach Meridians
Crossing point of the Ren Vessel and Small Intestine, San Jiao and Stomach Meridians
Indications:
1. Epigastric pain, vomiting, hiccup, acid regurgitation
2. Abdominal distention, diarrhea, dyspepsia
3. Cough, copious phlegm, obesity
4. Jaundice
5. Insomnia
Functions:Strengthens and harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach, resolves Dampness, relieves pain.
Notes: Front-Mu points can be used to treat diseases of the affected Zang-Fu organ, and those of Yang meridians and collaterals. They treat diseases of Six Fu-organs and diseases of yang meridians. An adverse reaction when a Front-Mu point is pressed can help make a diagnosis.
Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 1.5 cun.
RN13 Shàngwăn 上脘 (Upper Epigastrium)
Location: On the anterior median line of the upper abdomen, 5.0 cun above the umbilicus.
Classification: Crossing point of the Ren Vessel and Small Intestine and Stomach Meridians
Indications:
1. Gastric pain, vomiting, abdominal distention
2. Epilepsy
Functions:Harmonizes and regulates the Middle Jiao, descends rebellious Qi, stops vomiting.
Needling:Perpendicular insertion 1.0 - 1.5 cun.
RN14 Jǜquè 巨阙 (Great Palace)
Location: On the anterior median line of the upper abdomen, 6.0 cun above the umbilicus.
Classification: Front-Mu point of the Heart
Indications:
1. Pain in the cardiac region and chest, palpitations
2. Manic psychosis, epilepsy
3. Gastric pain, vomiting
Functions:Opens the chest, transforms Phlegm, regulates the Heart, calms the Shen, subdues rebellious Qi.
Notes: Front-Mu points can be used to treat diseases of the affected Zang-Fu organ, and those of Yang meridians and collaterals. They treat diseases of Six Fu-organs and diseases of yang meridians. An adverse reaction when a Front-Mu point is pressed can help make a diagnosis.
Needling:Patient lying in supine position, puncture obliquely downward 0.5-1.0 cun. Do never puncture perpendicularly and deeply to avoid injuring the internal organs especially in people with hepatomegaly or splenomegaly.
RN17 Dànzhōng 膻中 (Chest Center)
Location: On the anterior median line of the chest, at the level of the 4th intercostal space, at the midpoint between the two nipples.
Classification: Front-Mu point of the Pericardium
Converging point of Qi
Converging point of Qi
Indications:
1. Pain and oppression of the chest, frequent and deep sighing
2. Cough, asthma, short breath
3. Cardiac pain, palpitations
4. Insufficient lactation, distension and pain of breasts
5. Hiccups
Functions:Opens the chest, tonifies and regulates Lung Qi, subdues rebellious Lung Qi, benefits the breasts.
Notes: Front-Mu points can be used to treat diseases of the affected Zang-Fu organ, and those of Yang meridians and collaterals. They treat diseases of Six Fu-organs and diseases of yang meridians. An adverse reaction when a Front-Mu point is pressed can help make a diagnosis.
Needling:Subcutaneous insertion 0.3 - 0.5 cun.
RN22 Tiāntū 天突 (Celestial Chimney)
Location: On the anterior median line of the neck, in the center of the suprasternal fossa.
Indications:
1. Cough, asthma, chest pain
2. Sore throat, sudden hoarseness of the voice, goiter
3. Plum pit sensation in the throat, dysphagia
Functions:Subdues rebellious Lung Qi, benefits the throat, resolves Phlegm, stops cough.
Needling:First, puncture perpendicularly 0.2 cun, then insert the needle tip downwards along the posterior aspect of the sternum 1.0 - 1.5 cun. Strict attention must be paid to the needle angle and depth. The lungs can be easily injured.
RN23 Liánquán 廉泉 (Corner Spring)
Location: On the anterior median line of the neck, above the throat prominence, in the depression above the upper border of the hyoid bone.
Classification: Crossing point of the Ren and the Yin Wei Vessels
Indications:
1. Swelling and pain of the subglossal region, salivation with flaccid tongue, aphasia with stiffness of the tongue
2. Sudden hoarseness of the voice, difficulty in swallowing
Functions:Subdues rebellious Qi, benefits the tongue throat and speech, resolves Phlegm, stops cough.
Needling:Oblique insertion toward tongue root 0.5 - 0.8 cun.
RN24 Chéngjiāng 承浆 (Container of Fluids)
Location: On the region of the face, in the depression in the center of the mentolabial groove.
Classification: Crossing point of the Ren Vessel and the Stomach Meridian
Indications:
1. Wry face, swelling and pain of the gums, salivation
2. Epilepsy
3. Enuresis
Functions:Expels Wind.
Needling:Oblique insertion 0.3 - 0.5 cun.
