CV-12 - Middle Duct

中脘 - Zhōng wǎn

Point Region: Upper abdomen

CV

Conception Vessel

任脉 - Rèn mài

CV-12 Zhongwan, meaning 'Central Stomach,' is one of the most vital points in the entire body. As the 'Front-Mu' point of the Stomach and the influential point of the 'Fu' organs (the hollow organs), it is a master harmonizer for the entire digestive tract. This point is the central hub for our digestion, and a powerful remedy for all things related to the gut.

Think of Zhongwan as the ultimate peacemaker for your gut. It's invaluable for addressing a wide range of digestive issues, from indigestion and bloating to a feeling of fullness or a sour stomach. By harmonizing the entire digestive tract, it helps to restore a sense of ease and comfort, allowing our body to properly absorb the nourishment it needs.

By harmonizing the entire digestive tract, CV-12 helps to restore a sense of balance and comfort. It's a point that reminds us that a healthy life starts with a healthy relationship to what we consume.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the midline of the abdomen, 4 cun above the umbilicus.

How to Locate:

  1. Lie down and locate your navel
  2. Measure 4 finger-widths up from your navel
  3. Stay on the centerline between your ribs
  4. This is typically halfway between your navel and the bottom of your breastbone
CV-12 acupressure point location: On the midline of the abdomen, 4 cun above the umbilicus.

Primary Functions

Digestive System

  • Master point for digestive disorders
  • Strengthens stomach and spleen function
  • Treats gastric pain and acid reflux
  • Improves appetite and digestion
  • Addresses gastric ulcers and gastritis
  • Relieves nausea and vomiting
  • Regulates gastric acid production

Immune & Energy System

  • Primary point for tonifying middle dan tian
  • Strengthens digestive qi
  • Boosts overall energy and vitality
  • Enhances immune system function

Emotional & Mental

  • Calms worry and overthinking
  • Reduces stress-related digestive issues
  • Promotes emotional balance
  • Addresses anxiety and depression

Nervous System

  • Regulates autonomic nervous system
  • Calms digestive nervousness
  • Improves sleep quality

Respiratory System

  • Supports lung function
  • Addresses breathing difficulties

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Gastritis
  • Stomach ulcer
  • Dysentery
  • Indigestion
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Acid reflux
  • Loss of appetite
  • Digestive disorders

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

Morning SicknessNausea & VomitHigh CholesterolBloatingConstipationHeartburnIBS-Irritable Bowel SyndromeWeight Loss

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

Combined Applications:

CV-12 + ST-36
Regulates stomach Qi, treats bloating, nausea, and poor appetite
CV-12 + PC-6
Alleviates nausea and harmonizes the middle burner, especially in emotional or stress-related digestive issues

CV-12 Protocols

Bloating & Stomach Discomfort Relief (5 minutes)

  1. Sit upright or lie down with knees bent
  2. Locate CV-12 (midway between the navel and sternum)
  3. Massage in slow circles for 1 minute to calm the stomach
  4. Apply firm pressure for 30 seconds while exhaling slowly
  5. Repeat massage and pressure to ease bloating and discomfort

Important Precautions

  • Pregnancy
  • Acute gastric perforation