CV 12 — Zhōng Wǎn (中脘) — Middle Cavity

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

CV 12 — Zhōng Wǎn (中脘) — is an acupuncture point on the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) meridian. Its English name, Middle Cavity, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of a range of conditions.

I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use CV 12 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

On the anterior midline, 4 cun above the umbilicus (midway between the umbilicus and the sternocostal angle).

3. Actions

1. Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach — the most important point for digestive disorders
2. Regulates the Stomach Qi and descends rebellious Qi
3. Transforms Dampness and Phlegm
4. Front-Mu point of the Stomach
5. Influential point for all Fu (hollow) organs

4. Indications

1. Epigastric pain, nausea and vomiting from any cause
2. Bloating, distension and poor digestion from Spleen Qi deficiency
3. Acid reflux and peptic ulcer
4. Diarrhoea and constipation
5. Phlegm-Damp accumulation
6. Fatigue and low energy from Spleen and Stomach weakness
7. PCOS from Spleen deficiency generating Phlegm-Damp

5. Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.8–1.2 cun. Moxibustion frequently applied. Avoid in pregnancy.

Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.

6. Clinical notes

CV 12 is the Front-Mu point of the Stomach and the Influential (Hui) point for all the Fu organs. This dual status makes it one of the most clinically important abdominal points for all digestive disorders. It is the primary Ren Mai point for strengthening the Middle Jiao. Combined with ST 36, SP 6 and PC 6 it forms the foundational prescription for nausea and digestive weakness. In PCOS treatment, CV 12 addresses the Spleen deficiency that is often the root cause of Phlegm-Damp accumulation and anovulation.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use CV 12 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Irritable bowel syndrome, Digestive disorders, Morning sickness, PCOS. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.