Directing Vessel

Zhongji REN-3

Chinese: 中极

Pinyin: Zhōng Jí

Location

On the anterior midline, 4 cun below the umbilicus, 1 cun above Qugu REN-2, which is located at the upper border of the symphysis pubis. 

How to locate

Locate REN-3 on the midline, 4 cun below the umbilicus and 1 cun superior to the upper border of the pubic symphysis. 

Main actions

  1. Clears Dampness from the Lower Burner
  2. Benefits the Bladder and its Qi transformation
  3. Benefits the Uterus and regulates menstruation
  4. Strengthens the Kidneys and nourishes the Essence

Indications

Tinnitus Dizziness Dark Urine Amenorrhea Weak knees Infertility Shan disorder Genitalia pain Lower back pain Abdominal masses Lochia retention Genitalia itching Urinary retention Painful urination Frequent urination Placenta retention Irregular menstruation Abnormal uterine bleeding Excessive vaginal discharge

Needling

Vertically 0.5-1 cun 

Caution: be careful with Peritoneum. Take great care during pregnancy. Need to empty the Bladder before needling. 

Commentary for Zhongji REN-3

Zhongji REN-3 is an important point for any genitourinary issues. 

First all, it is frequently used to clear Dampness, particularly Damp-Heat, from the Lower Burner. Therefore it can treat symptoms like pain and burning urination genital itching or pain, excessive vaginal discharge or Shan disorders (Hernial and Genitourinary disorder). When combining with other distal points (Sanyingjiao SP-6, Yinlingquan SP-9 or Ligou LIV-5 depending on the actual cases), it also treats fever or bloody urine. 

Secondly, REN-3 is a major point to benefit the Bladder and its Qi transformation function, especially for acute and Excess/Full cases. Thus Reducing Needling method is used more often. On the other hand, Tonifying Needling method can also be applied to strengthen the Bladder, but less often. The typical symptoms are frequent or retention of urination as well as painful and dark urine. 

It is effective in regulating menstruation as well, by benefiting the Uterus and Directing Vessel. It can be used to treat painful periods, retention of placenta or abdominal masses which are caused by Blood Stagnation in the Uterus. 

Finally REN-3 strengthens the Kidneys and nourishes its Essences, so as to tonify the original Qi. Therefore, it can treat lower back pain, dizziness, tinnitus and weak knees.