Practical Pressure Points: Ren Zhong

Acupressure DIY at Home

Ren Zhong (人中), also known as Shui Gou (水溝), or Du 26, is the single most important Acupuncture point for restoring consciousness for fainting, or syncope.

Du 26 is located on the face, above the upper lip on the midline, at the junction of the upper third and lower two thirds of the philtrum (the marked indentation found on the midline between the root of the nose and the margin of the upper lip).

The name of this point translates to Man’s Middle, which reflects the location of this point. With the face divided into the three portions of Heaven, Man, and Earth, Du 26 sits in the “Man” portion of the face along the midline, hence, “Man’s Middle”. This point is also located close to the juncture of the Governing and Conception channels. With the Governing channel corresponding to Heaven (Yang), and Conception channel corresponding to Earth (Yin), Du 26 is considered to form connection between the two.

Whether for emergency use of restoring consciousness from fainting or back pain, the point is equally as effective with Acupressure as is with Acupuncture needling. To stimulate this point, press in with firm pressure perpendicularly and slightly superiorly with the tip of the thumb or index finger.

Acupressure DIY:
These Acupressure points should be stimulated with moderate pressure and should be stimulated frequently throughout the day! Stimulate each point with your thumb and/or index finger for at least a minute before moving on to the next point!

Clinical Uses for Du 26

• Restoring consciousness from fainting and sudden loss of consciousness.
• Calms the mind.
• Psycho-emotional disorders, manic disorders, an depressive disorders.
• Epilepsy.
• Clears nasal discharge, nose bleeds, and nasal congestion.
• Swelling of the face, deviation of the mouth and jaw.
• Stiffness and pain of the spine, sprain of the spine, acute back and lumbar pain.

Disclaimer: This information is intended as a patient education resource only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem as it is not a substitute for expert professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, please consult your health care provider.

Acupressure:
WIth the tip of the thumb or index finger, press with firm pressure perpendicularly and slightly superiorly 20-40 times per minute.

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