CV 13 — Shàng Wǎn (上脘) — Upper Cavity
On this page
1. Overview
CV 13 — Shàng Wǎn (上脘) — is an acupuncture point on the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai). Its English name, Upper Cavity, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used in acupuncture practice as part of channel-balancing prescriptions for 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 13 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the Midline of the abdomen, 5 cun above the umbilicus and 3 cun below the sternocostal angle.
3. Actions
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Regulates Qi
- Descends Rebellious Qi
- Stops vomiting
- Regulates the Heart
4. Indications
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Deficiency-taxation vomiting of Blood
- Difficult ingestion
- Stomach reflux
- Sudden turmoil disorder
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal distention and fullness
- Abdominal masses
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.8 to 1.5 cun.
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 13 Shàng Wǎn (Upper Cavity) is classified as: Meeting point with the Stomach channel; Meeting point with the Small Intestine channel. These classifications inform how the point is used in clinical practice. The point is typically combined with other channel points to form a balanced prescription based on the patient’s individual TCM diagnosis.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use CV 13 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Diarrhea, Cough, Insomnia, Anxiety, Hypertension. 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.
