CV-17 - Middle of the Chest

膻中 - Shān zhōng

Point Region: Chest

CV

Conception Vessel

任脉 - Rèn mài

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the front of the chest, on the midline, level with the fourth space between the ribs.

How to Locate:

  1. Find the fourth rib space (in men, level with the nipples)
  2. Follow that level to the midline of the breastbone
  3. The point is there
CV-17 (Middle of the Chest) acupressure point location: On the front of the chest, on the midline, level with the fourth space between the ribs.

How to Apply Pressure

Place the fingertips on the breastbone, level with the fourth rib space, and press gently on the bone itself. Skip it after recent chest surgery, and if you have a serious heart condition ask your doctor first. Chest pain needs your local emergency number, not acupressure.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Palpitations
  • Insufficient lactation
  • Reflux
  • Anxiety
  • Breast disorders
  • Emotional stress
  • Cough

Related Health Concerns

Panic AttackAnxietyCold and Flu Onset

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Traditionally combined with:

CV-17 + LU-1
Middle Palace
CV-17 + PC-6
Inner Pass

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Recent chest surgery
  • Severe heart disease