CV 17 — Tán Zhōng (膻中) — Chest Centre
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1. Overview
CV 17 — Tán Zhōng (膻中) — is an acupuncture point on the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) meridian. Its English name, Chest Centre, 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 17 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the anterior midline of the sternum, at the level of the 4th intercostal space, level with the nipples.
3. Actions
- Regulates Qi in the chest — the Sea of Qi for the upper body
- Descends rebellious Lung Qi
- Opens the chest and relieves tightness
- Influential point for all Qi
- Promotes lactation
- Calms the Mind and Heart
4. Indications
- Chest tightness, fullness, pain and palpitations from Qi stagnation
- Cough and asthma from Lung Qi failing to descend
- Insufficient lactation and mastitis
- Oesophageal spasm and difficulty swallowing
- Anxiety and emotional distress held in the chest
- Breast pain from Liver Qi stagnation
5. Needling
Transverse insertion 0.3–0.5 cun, directed inferiorly. No perpendicular needling.
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 17 is the Front-Mu point of the Pericardium and the Influential (Hui) point for Qi — giving it powerful Qi-regulating effects across the entire body. In clinical practice it is used for any condition where Qi is stuck or stagnant in the chest — emotional distress, anxiety held in the chest, breathlessness and cardiac symptoms. For insufficient lactation, CV 17 is combined with ST 18 (Rugen) and SI 1 (Shaoze). Needling must be transverse, not perpendicular, due to the sternum.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use CV 17 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Anxiety, Stress, High blood pressure. 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.
