Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) Channel
Lower Crevice
下脘Xià WǎnUse caution during pregnancy
Abdomen; avoid deep needling from the second trimester onward.
Anatomical location
On the midline, 2 cun above the navel.
Main function
Regulates the Stomach, strengthens the Spleen, eliminates Dampness.
Therapeutic indications
- Abdominal pain
- indigestion
- diarrhea
- abdominal distension
- stomach pain
- vomiting
- abdominal masses
Name and classical tradition
Xiawan, 下脘, is the "Lower Cavity." 下 means below; 脘 is the cavity, the duct, and here the stomach, 胃脘. Together with CV12, Zhongwan, and CV13, Shangwan, it forms a triad of names, lower, middle, and upper, that runs through the stomach region from bottom to top. It is a relative topographic name.
Its textual origin is disputed: some sources trace it to the Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), with Wang Shuhe's Maijing (Pulse Classic) giving the variant 下管, and others to the Lingshu (Spiritual Pivot), in the chapter Si Shi Qi (四時氣). 脘 and 管 are interchangeable in ancient texts to refer to the digestive tube. It is a crossing point of the Ren Mai with the Spleen channel.
