Rugen Point (ST-18 / Breast Root)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Rugen (ST-18 / Breast Root). Learn its benefits for breast pain, mastitis, insufficient lactation, and chest conditions, plus classic combinations for breast health and beauty.
Indications
Breast pain, acute mastitis, insufficient lactation, chest pain, cough and wheezing.
Precise Location
Located on the Stomach Meridian, on the chest, directly below the nipple, in the depression at the root of the breast.
Location Method
Lie supine or sit upright, gently raise both hands and place the palms over the breasts with the thumbs above and the other four fingers below – the point is where the index finger pad rests at the edge of the breast.
Massage Method
Massage: Push and knead from Rugen toward Ruzhong (ST-17). Press with the middle and index finger pads, kneading for 3–5 minutes each morning and evening. Therapeutic actions: Promotes lactation and resolves stasis, disperses lung qi and regulates qi.
Compatibility
Insufficient lactation: Combine with Ruzhong (ST-17) and Rugen (ST-18). Disease overview: Postpartum women experience insufficient or absent milk production, inadequate for infant feeding. Massage sequence: Sit upright or lie supine. Gently pinch and rotate the nipples with the thumb and index finger, or press the nipples with the index finger pad – a tingling and itchy sensation will occur. Knead both nipples simultaneously for 2 minutes, then massage Rugen for 3 minutes. Acute mastitis: Combine with Shaoze (SI-1), Tanzhong (RN-17), and Rugen (ST-18). Intercostal neuralgia: Combine with Dazhui (GV-14), Jianjing (GB-21), and Rugen (ST-18).
Efficacy & Actions
With improved living standards and increased consumption of high-fat, high-protein diets, the incidence of breast hyperplasia, fibrocystic breast changes, breast tumors, and breast cancer in adult women continues to rise. To maintain breast health and beauty, massaging Rugen for three minutes each morning and evening can help relieve various blood stasis and qi stagnation in the chest, providing excellent self-care benefits and even helping to enhance breast fullness. This point belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. It promotes lactation and resolves stasis, disperses lung qi and regulates qi. It is a commonly used point for treating breast and chest disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Ru" means breast; "Gen" means root. Located at the root of the breast – hence the name Rugen (Breast Root).
