Conception Vessel meridian

CV-16 (Zhōngtíng, 中庭) — Central Palace

Meridian
Conception Vessel (CV)
Anatomical view
anterior
Point classification
Conception Vessel point at the xiphisternal junction; no special command classification is consistently identified.
Depth reference
0.3-0.5 cun subcutaneous or transverse, kept superficial to thoracic structures
Moxibustion
Applicable according to the checked CV-16 point source
Reference aliases
CV16; Zhongting; 中庭; Central Palace

Anatomical location

On the anterior midline of the thorax, at the midpoint of the xiphisternal junction.

Traditional actions

Traditionally opens the chest, descends rebellious qi, and harmonizes the Stomach.

Recorded indications

Primary: Reference uses include chest discomfort, cough, wheezing, nausea, reflux, and difficulty swallowing.

Secondary: Secondary uses include breast discomfort and agitation linked with chest constraint.

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.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008) CV16, p. 227
  2. Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Ren 16: English name, classification, functions, indications and needling sections
  3. American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference REN-16: English name, command functions, actions, indications and needling and moxibustion sections
  4. WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 5.2, chest precautions, p. 25

Frequently asked questions

Where is CV-16 located?

On the anterior midline of the thorax, at the midpoint of the xiphisternal junction.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for CV-16?

Traditionally opens the chest, descends rebellious qi, and harmonizes the Stomach. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include chest discomfort, cough, wheezing, nausea, reflux, and difficulty swallowing. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include breast discomfort and agitation linked with chest constraint.

Is CV-16 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify CV-16 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.