The still centre of the chest — Ruzhong (ST-17) is unique among all acupuncture points: it is never needled, never moxad, and yet it holds an honoured place on the Stomach Meridian (ST) as an essential anatomical landmark that guides the location of many surrounding points.
Name & story
The name 乳中 Ruzhong means simply "Middle of the Breast" — Ru (乳) meaning breast or nipple, and Zhong (中) meaning centre or middle. There is no elaborate legend here, just quiet precision: the point sits exactly at the centre of the nipple. It is a fixed star in the map of the chest, a reference point that helps practitioners navigate the whole region — from the points above it to those below. Its value is not in what a needle does here, but in what the point shows us about where everything else lies.
Point family & character
Ruzhong (ST-17) belongs to the Stomach Meridian (ST). It holds no special category title — it is not a He-Sea, Xi Cleft or Yuan Source point. Its singular role is that of a reference landmark on the channel.
Location
At the centre of the nipple, in the fourth intercostal space, 4 Cun lateral to the midline. It sits between ST-16 (Yingchuang) above and ST-18 (Rugen) directly below it. Note that ST-18 lies in the fifth intercostal space, directly beneath the nipple.
Anatomy & fascia
The point is located at the centre of the nipple, in the fourth intercostal space, 4 Cun lateral to the midline. In males the nipple lies reliably in the fourth intercostal space, which makes it a useful guide for locating other chest points along the same level.
Needling
This point is contraindicated to needling. It is used solely as a reference point for locating other acupuncture points on the chest.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Moxibustion is also contraindicated at this point. No needling or moxa should be applied here.
Functions
Alleviates cough and wheezing. Benefits the breasts. These actions are understood as the point's theoretical sphere of influence, not as indications for needling — since the point itself is never needled.
Indications
Because this point is never needled, it has no clinical indications in the usual sense. Its primary role is anatomical: it serves as the reference landmark for locating surrounding chest points on the Stomach Meridian (ST) and neighbouring channels.
The golden tip
There is nothing to press, warm or needle here — this is a point best left alone. If you are interested in supporting breast health or chest complaints, a qualified acupuncturist will work with the surrounding points on the chest rather than Ruzhong itself.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.