Conception Vessel meridian
CV-3 (Zhōngjí, 中极) — Middle Pole
- Meridian
- Conception Vessel (CV)
- Anatomical view
- anterior
- Point classification
- Front-mu point of the Bladder; meeting point of the Conception Vessel with the three Foot Yin channels.
- Depth reference
- 1.0-1.5 cun perpendicular only after the bladder is emptied and anatomy is assessed
- Moxibustion
- Applicable outside pregnancy at CV-3; abdominal moxibustion is contraindicated during pregnancy
- Reference aliases
- CV3; Zhongji; 中极; Middle Pole
Anatomical location
On the lower abdomen, 4 B-cun below the center of the umbilicus on the anterior midline.
Traditional actions
Traditionally regulates the Bladder, drains damp-heat, and regulates menstruation.
Recorded indications
Primary: Reference uses include urinary retention or frequency, painful urination, lower abdominal pain, and menstrual irregularity.
Secondary: Secondary uses include genital discomfort, infertility patterns, and vaginal discharge.
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) CV3, p. 221
- Acupuncture.com Acupuncture Point Reference Ren 3: English name, classification, functions, indications and needling sections
- American Dragon Acupuncture Point Reference REN-3: English name, command functions, actions, indications and needling and moxibustion sections
- WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Section II, 2.1, pregnancy, p. 20
- The Safety of Obstetric Acupuncture: Forbidden Points Revisited Identifying sources of concern and relevant outcomes; CV3-CV7
- College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta, Safety Handbook for Alberta Practitioners Appendix 1, CV3 bladder caution, p. 57
Frequently asked questions
Where is CV-3 located?
On the lower abdomen, 4 B-cun below the center of the umbilicus on the anterior midline.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for CV-3?
Traditionally regulates the Bladder, drains damp-heat, and regulates menstruation. The dataset lists these primary indications: Reference uses include urinary retention or frequency, painful urination, lower abdominal pain, and menstrual irregularity. Secondary indications are recorded as: Secondary uses include genital discomfort, infertility patterns, and vaginal discharge.
Is CV-3 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify CV-3 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.