CV17 (Shanzhong / Chest Centre) Acupuncture Point Guide

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CV17, known as Shanzhong (“Chest Centre”), lies on the anterior median line at the level of the fourth intercostal space. It is the Front-Mu point of the Pericardium, the Hui-Meeting point of Qi and an important point in traditional strategies to regulate chest Qi, descend rebellious Lung Qi and benefit the breasts.

CV17 is a thoracic point. The sternum ordinarily lies beneath it, but congenital sternal foramina and other anatomical variations mean deep perpendicular needling can be dangerous. Accurate rib-level identification, consent, draping and conservative technique are essential. This is a professional guide for appropriately trained practitioners, not a self-treatment guide.

CV17 Shanzhong quick reference

Point name	CV17 — Shanzhong (“Chest Centre”)
Vessel	Conception Vessel / Ren Mai
Classification	Front-Mu point of the Pericardium; Hui-Meeting point of Qi; point of the Upper Sea of Qi
Region	Anterior chest over the sternum
Laterality	Midline
Core landmark	Anterior median line, at the level of the fourth intercostal space

Location of CV17 Shanzhong

The WHO standard locates CV17 on the anterior chest, at the level of the fourth intercostal space, on the anterior median line.

How to locate CV17

1. Position the patient comfortably supine or semi-reclined, with explicit consent and appropriate draping.
2. Identify the sternal angle and count down carefully to the fourth intercostal-space level.
3. Transfer that level to the anterior median line over the sternum.
4. Palpate gently for the sternal surface, tenderness, scars, deformity or unexpected defects.
5. Document any anatomical uncertainty and choose a safer non-needle method when confident location or technique is not possible.

The nipple line is not a reliable primary landmark: position varies with sex, age, body shape, posture, pregnancy, surgery and breast anatomy. Rib counting and midline anatomy should guide location.

Traditional functions of CV17

• Regulates and gathers Qi in the chest.
• Opens the chest and benefits the Lung.
• Descends rebellious Lung and Stomach Qi in an appropriate pattern.
• Benefits the breasts and supports lactation within traditional practice.
• Calms emotional constraint affecting the chest.

These descriptions belong to traditional theory. They are not claims that CV17 has been proven to treat cardiac, respiratory, breast, digestive or mental-health disease.

Traditional clinical applications

CV17 may be considered within an individualised treatment plan where the complete pattern includes:

• Chest tightness or constrained breathing after medical red flags have been excluded.
• Cough, wheeze or rebellious Lung Qi within a relevant pattern.
• Hiccup, belching or nausea associated with rebellious Qi.
• Reduced lactation or breast distension where assessment, consent and scope of practice support treatment.
• Anxiety, grief or emotional constraint experienced in the chest.

Chest pain, sudden breathlessness, cyanosis, collapse, palpitations with faintness, coughing blood or symptoms suggestive of cardiac or pulmonary disease require urgent medical assessment. New breast lumps, skin dimpling, bloody discharge, infection or persistent focal pain also require appropriate referral.

Common point combinations

• CV17 + PC6: traditionally selected to regulate chest Qi and calm the Shen.
• CV17 + LU7: considered where opening the chest and supporting Lung function form part of the strategy.
• CV17 + ST40: used where chest oppression occurs with Phlegm in traditional diagnosis.
• CV17 + CV12: considered when rebellious Qi involves both chest and middle Jiao.
• CV17 + ST36: selected in some deficiency patterns to support Qi.
• CV17 + SI1: a traditional combination used in selected lactation strategies after appropriate assessment.

These are traditional examples and not fixed prescriptions. Chest and breast presentations require careful differential assessment and should not be managed by pattern theory alone.

Anatomy and practitioner notes

• CV17 overlies the body of the sternum at the fourth intercostal-space level.
• Soft-tissue thickness varies, and the sternum may contain a congenital foramen or incomplete ossification.
• A sternal foramen can create a route towards mediastinal structures if a needle is inserted deeply and perpendicularly.
• Ask about sternotomy, chest surgery, implants, radiotherapy, fracture, breast surgery, pregnancy and current cardiopulmonary symptoms.
• Maintain explicit consent, respectful draping and clear communication for all chest assessment and treatment.

Needling and essential safety

Deep perpendicular needling at CV17 is unsafe. Conservative superficial or transverse technique, when chosen, must follow accredited thoracic acupuncture training and individual anatomy. This guide does not provide a universal depth.

• Never assume the sternum provides a complete protective barrier because sternal foramina may be clinically silent.
• Avoid deep, perpendicular or forceful insertion and uncontrolled manipulation.
• Do not needle through wounds, infection, inflamed tissue, uncertain post-operative anatomy or an implanted device.
• Stop and assess immediately if there is sharp deep pain, breathlessness, faintness, palpitations or another unexpected response.
• Use sterile, single-use needles and appropriate clean-field and sharps-disposal procedures.

Non-needle and moxibustion options

Gentle acupressure or other non-invasive methods may be preferable where anatomy, consent or risk makes needling unsuitable. Moxibustion is traditionally considered in selected Cold or deficiency patterns, but requires continuous supervision and careful protection of chest tissue. Avoid heat over impaired sensation, inflamed skin, scars with altered sensation or where warmth aggravates symptoms.

When urgent assessment takes priority

Call emergency services for severe or crushing chest pain, pain spreading to the arm, jaw or back, acute breathlessness, collapse, blue lips, sudden neurological change or signs of anaphylaxis. Unexpected persistent chest pain or breathing difficulty after thoracic needling warrants urgent medical evaluation.

Research note

CV17 appears in studies involving respiratory symptoms, anxiety, lactation and autonomic outcomes, commonly as part of a multi-point protocol. The evidence is heterogeneous and does not establish a universal or independent effect for CV17. Thoracic safety and conventional diagnostic pathways take priority.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is CV17?

It is on the anterior midline over the sternum at the level of the fourth intercostal space.

Can the nipple line be used to locate CV17?

It may appear in older descriptions, but it is too variable to be a reliable primary landmark. Rib counting and the anterior midline are preferable.

Why must deep perpendicular needling be avoided?

A congenital sternal foramen may leave no complete bony barrier between the skin and deeper thoracic structures.

Is this guide suitable for self-needling?

No. CV17 is a thoracic point requiring professional training, consent, anatomy knowledge and conservative technique.

Continue exploring Project Lotus

Visit our Acupuncture Point Guides, or read our CV12 Zhongwan Guide, ST40 Fenglong Guide, Yintang Guide and LI4 Hegu Guide.

Practitioners can also browse our professional acupuncture needles, Complete Moxa Guide and professional moxa range.

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Professional disclaimer: This article is provided for qualified acupuncture and healthcare practitioners for general educational purposes. Traditional actions describe established acupuncture theory and are not claims of proven clinical efficacy. It is not medical advice, does not replace accredited training and should not be used as a universal treatment protocol. Practitioners remain responsible for assessment, consent, safe technique, infection control, record keeping, referral and compliance with professional and legal obligations.

Reference standards and safety reading:
World Health Organization. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region.
World Health Organization. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture.
World Health Organization. WHO Benchmarks for the Practice of Acupuncture.
Peuker E, Grönemeyer D. Rare but serious complications of acupuncture: traumatic lesions.