Stomach meridian
ST-18 (Rǔgēn, 乳根) — Breast Root
- Meridian
- Stomach (ST)
- Anatomical view
- anterior
- Point classification
- Regional Stomach channel point below the breast.
- Depth reference
- Superficial oblique or transverse insertion, limited to subcutaneous tissue by individual thoracic and breast anatomy; safe depth may be as little as 10-20 mm
- Moxibustion
- Not established in checked point-specific sources.
- Reference aliases
- ST18; Rugen; 乳根; Breast Root
Anatomical location
In the fifth intercostal space, 4 B-cun lateral to the anterior midline; in females, at the midpoint of the inframammary crease.
Traditional actions
Benefits the breast; opens the chest; eases cough and wheezing.
Recorded indications
Primary: Breast pain, swelling, inflammation, or reduced lactation.
Secondary: Cough; wheezing; chest pain.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Where is ST-18 located?
In the fifth intercostal space, 4 B-cun lateral to the anterior midline; in females, at the midpoint of the inframammary crease.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for ST-18?
Benefits the breast; opens the chest; eases cough and wheezing. The dataset lists these primary indications: Breast pain, swelling, inflammation, or reduced lactation. Secondary indications are recorded as: Cough; wheezing; chest pain.
Is ST-18 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify ST-18 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.