Zhōng Píng (中平) — Middle Balance
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1. Overview
Zhōng Píng (中平) — Middle Balance — is an extra acupuncture point (not on any of the fourteen main channels). It is used as an adjunct to channel-based prescriptions in acupuncture practice for the indications below.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use this point as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 1 cun below and slightly lateral to ST 36 (Zusanli).
3. Actions
- Frees the shoulder channels
- Regulates distal-proximal Qi flow
4. Indications
- Frozen shoulder — the primary indication
- Shoulder pain unresponsive to local points
- Cervical stiffness
5. Needling
Perpendicular 1–1.5 cun. Typically needled contralaterally with strong stimulation while the patient moves the affected shoulder.
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
A modern “shoulder distal” empirical point popularised in contemporary Chinese acupuncture. Movement-with-needling technique (opposite arm) is standard.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use Zhōng Píng as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Frozen shoulder, Shoulder pain. 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.
