REN-3 Zhongji - Utmost Middle
More Spirit Names: Middle Extremity, Central Pole
| English: | Middle Pole |
| Also Known As: | Yuan Barrier Central Pole Utmost Middle Middle Summit Middle Extremity |
Location
- On the midline of the lower abdomen, 4 cun inferior to the umbilicus and 1 cun superior to the pubic symphysis
- 4 cun directly below the navel
Needling
- Perpendicular insertion, 0.5 to 1 cun.
- Caution: Deep insertion will penetrate a full Bladder which should therefore be emptied before treatment.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
- Straight insertion 1 to 2 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness possibly extending into the genital region
Command Functions
- Front-Mu point of the Bladder
- Meeting point of The REN channel with the Spleen, Liver, Small Intestine, Bladder, Gall Bladder, San Jiao and Kidney channels
- Meeting point of the three Leg Yin muscle channels (genital area)
Actions
- Benefits the Bladder
- Regulates Qi transformation
- Drains Damp-Heat (from the Bladder, uterus and genitals)
- Drains Dampness
- Treats leukorrhea
- Benefits the uterus
- Regulates menstruation
- Dispels Stagnation
- Benefits the Lower Jiao
- Fortifies the Kidneys
- Promotes urination
- Assists the transforming function of Qi
Indications
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Combinations
Inability to urinate | Difficult urination Seminal emission | Seminal emission |
M-CA-18 | ||
Pain of the penis | Sudden redness, swelling and pain of the vagina | Infertility Uterine bleeding |
Ceaseless uterine bleeding | Irregular menstruation | Inhibited menstruation |
SP-5 | SP-6 Or GB-21 Or | |
Infertility | Retention of the placenta | Ceaseless diarrhea |
REN-2 | ||
Ascites due to rheumatic Heart disease | Spermatorrhea, impotence and premature ejaculation | Enuresis |
SP-6 | ||
Irregular menstruation | Amenorrhea |
Contraindications
- Contraindicated during pregnancy.
- Do not use this point if there is a major imbalance in the pulses.
Notes
- This point is generally favored for Excess conditions while REN-4 Guanyuan is favored for Deficiency conditions.
- This point is also indicated for edema.
- This is a heavy duty moxa point.
- This is a general local point for Bladder disorders and specifically assists the transforming functions of Qi. It aids in transforming Body Fluids into urine.
- This is a very powerful point for the testes and pancreas.
- It is good for yo-yoing pulses.
Five Elements Spirit Perspective
| Spirit of the Point | Utmost Middle is the classic reunion point, the utmost center of body, mind and spirit, where the Conception Vessel meets the Kidney, Spleen and Liver. The name Central Pole comes from the pole star around which the others revolve. It is a grounding point that draws things down into the lower body and helps when the patient is shaky. All the leg meridians touch here, so it affects a person's contact with their own power, helping them hold fast to their energy instead of letting it dribble away. To find our way we need to fix our position against points that endure for as long as we live, like the North Star or the sun; this point is such a central axis, steadying and supporting a person in times of great need. It is the root and middle of the lowest energy center, a point for drawing on the lower Dan Tian's deep reserves. |
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| Worsley |
Location: On the front midline, 4 ACI below the umbilicus. |
| When to Consider |
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From Class
- Ren-3 and Ren-4 to consolidate Jing: 'Gu' (consolidate Jing — ancient inside a box): use Ren points the divergent trajectory passes through, e.g., Ren-3 and Ren-4. (Yuen)
- Pre-Ge Hong revival points: Du-20, Du-15, Ren-12, Ren-3, LI-19: For death-like inversion: Du-20 and Du-15 (scalp yang), Ren-12 and Ren-3 (yin), plus LI-19 to start breathing again. (Yuen)