Conception Vessel meridian
CV-12 (Zhōngwǎn, 中脘) — Middle Epigastrium
- Meridian
- Conception Vessel (CV)
- Anatomical view
- anterior
- Point classification
- Front-mu point of the Stomach; Hui-meeting point of the fu organs; meeting point with the Small Intestine, Sanjiao, and Stomach channels.
- Depth reference
- 1.0-1.5 cun perpendicular, reduced according to abdominal wall and organ anatomy
- Moxibustion
- Applicable outside pregnancy at CV-12; abdominal moxibustion is contraindicated throughout pregnancy
- Reference aliases
- CV12; Zhongwan; 中脘; Middle Epigastrium
Anatomical location
On the upper abdomen, 4 B-cun above the center of the umbilicus on the anterior midline, halfway to the xiphisternal junction.
Traditional actions
Traditionally harmonizes the Stomach, strengthens the middle burner, and descends rebellious qi.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, reflux, and abdominal fullness.
Secondary: Secondary uses include diarrhea, insomnia linked with digestive disharmony, and phlegm accumulation.
How to read this reference
AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.
Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.
Sources
References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) CV12, p. 225
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Ren 12: English name, classification, functions, indications and needling sections
- American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference REN-12: English name, command functions, actions, indications and needling and moxibustion sections
- WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 2.1 and 5.2, pregnancy and abdominal precautions, pp. 20, 25
- College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, Safety Handbook for Alberta Practitioners Appendix 1, CV12 peritoneal caution, p. 57
Frequently asked questions
Where is CV-12 located?
On the upper abdomen, 4 B-cun above the center of the umbilicus on the anterior midline, halfway to the xiphisternal junction.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for CV-12?
Traditionally harmonizes the Stomach, strengthens the middle burner, and descends rebellious qi. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, reflux, and abdominal fullness. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include diarrhea, insomnia linked with digestive disharmony, and phlegm accumulation.
Is CV-12 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify CV-12 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.