Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) Channel
Center of the Thorax
膻中Dàn ZhōngAnatomical location
On the anterior midline, at the level of the fourth intercostal space, at the midpoint of the line connecting the two nipples.
Main function
Regulates the Qi of the chest, benefits the Lung and Heart.
- Front-Mu point of the Pericardium
- Influential (Hui) Point of Qi
- Sea of Qi point
- Crossing point with the Spleen, Kidney, Small Intestine, and Triple Energizer
Therapeutic indications
- Chest pain
- cough
- asthma
- palpitations
- insufficient lactation
- dyspnea
- chest oppression and pain
- mastitis
- scanty milk
- hiccups
- distress
- difficulty swallowing
- panic attacks (Ben Tun Qi)
- depression
- COPD and chronic bronchitis
- low blood pressure
- premenstrual syndrome
Name and classical tradition
Danzhong, 膻中, is the "Center of the Chest." 膻 is a rare character, which here designates the space of the thorax; 中 is the center. The point lies on the sternum, between the two nipples, and the modern gloss describes it as the place that represents the heart outwardly and transmits its orders (代心布令).
The most important quotation is from the Lingshu (Spiritual Pivot), in the chapter Hai Lun (海論), on the four seas of the body: "膻中者，為氣之海," Danzhong is the sea of Qi. Hence its alias 上氣海, "upper sea of Qi," to distinguish it from CV6, Qihai, the lower one; Zhang Jiebin, in the Leijing Tuyi (Illustrated Supplement to the Classified Classic), records that name, according to the sources. The Suwen (Basic Questions), in the chapter Ling Lan Mi Dian Lun, also presents it as the "minister and envoy" of the heart, "膻中者，臣使之官," the phrase that explains the name of PC5, Jianshi. The sources disagree on whether the point's name comes from the Lingshu or from the Nanjing (Classic of Difficulties).
Danzhong is the Front-Mu point (募穴) of the Pericardium and the Influential (Hui) point of Qi (氣會) among the Eight Influential Points. The reference works also record the alias 胸堂, "hall of the chest."
Other names
- 元兒Jiayi Jing
