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CV13

Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) Channel

Upper Crevice

上脘Shàng Wǎn

Anatomical location

On the midline, 5 cun above the navel.

Main function

Regulates the Stomach, calms the Heart, eliminates stagnation.

Therapeutic indications

  • Epigastric pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • anxiety
  • stomach pain
  • hiccups
  • heartburn
  • palpitations
  • insomnia
  • epilepsy
  • gastroesophageal reflux

Name and classical tradition

Shangwan, 上脘, is the "Upper Cavity." 上 means above; 脘 is the cavity of the stomach. It closes off the top of the triad it forms with CV12 and CV10, and the modern gloss speaks of the fluids that descend from the chest and gather here before continuing downward.

The first work to record it is the Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion), and Wang Shuhe's Maijing (Pulse Classic) uses the variant 上管. The reference works attribute to it the alternative names 胃管, 胃脘, and 上紀. The last of these coincides with one of the aliases of Zhongwan, which shows how fluid the names are in this region of the abdomen.

Location of point CV13, Upper Crevice
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View point on the 3D modelCV13 on the anatomy
Needling techniquePerpendicular insertion 0.5-1 cun.
Depth0.5-1 cun
MoxibustionApplicable (3-5 cones or 5-10 minutes, indirect moxa)
PrecautionsAvoid deep needling so as not to injure internal organs.
Cover of the guide “Protocols for the 20 most common patterns”

Free guide · PDF

Protocols for the 20 patterns you see most in practice

Each pattern with its tongue, its pulse, the treatment principle and the points to tonify and disperse. Made for the treatment table, not the bookshelf.

Do you use CV13 with your patients?

In the Clinic you record it in the patient's file, next to the tongue, the pulse and the measurements, so at the next session you know exactly what you used. The Atlas is built in.

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