Zhongquan Point (EX-UE3 / Middle Spring)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Zhongquan (EX-UE3 / Middle Spring). Learn its benefits for heart pain, abdominal qi pain, chest tightness, and stomach pain – the extraordinary point for regulating qi – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Soothes the chest and regulates qi, harmonizes the stomach and relieves pain, unblocks the collaterals and activates blood. Treats heart pain (precordial pain, chest pain), various abdominal qi pains, chest tightness, stomach pain, abdominal distension, and hypochondriac pain.
Precise Location
At the dorsal wrist crease, in the depression on the radial side of the extensor digitorum communis tendon.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine with the arm extended and palm facing down. Locate the depression on the radial side of the extensor digitorum communis tendon at the midpoint of the dorsal wrist crease (approximately between Yangxi LI-5 and Yangchi TE-4).
Massage Method
Press and knead with the thumb pad for 3–5 minutes per session, 1–2 times daily – a local sore-distending sensation is optimal. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the chest and regulates qi, harmonizes the stomach and relieves pain, unblocks the collaterals and activates blood.
Compatibility
Heart pain and chest tightness: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Tanzhong (RN-17). Stomach pain and abdominal distension: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Zusanli (ST-36). Various abdominal qi pains: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Qihai (RN-6). Hypochondriac pain: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34) and Zhigou (TE-6).
Efficacy & Actions
This is an extraordinary point located in the depression on the radial side of the extensor digitorum communis tendon at the dorsal wrist crease. It soothes the chest and regulates qi, harmonizes the stomach and relieves pain, and unblocks the collaterals and activates blood. It is a commonly used key point for treating heart, chest, and abdominal qi pain. First documented in the Qixiao Liangfang (Excellent Effective Formulas). "Zhong" means middle; "Quan" means spring or depression. Located in the depression at the dorsal wrist crease, where qi springs forth like a spring, regulating middle jiao qi movement – hence the name Zhongquan (Middle Spring). Zhongquan is an experienced effective point for treating heart pain and various abdominal qi pains, with good therapeutic effects on qi stagnation causing chest oppression and abdominal distension. It is often combined with Neiguan (PC-6) and Tanzhong (RN-17).
Contraindications
Located on the dorsal wrist – needling depth should be carefully controlled, generally 0.3–0.5 cun vertically, avoiding deep insertion to prevent injury to tendons and blood vessels. Moxibustion is permissible. Use with caution in pregnant women.
