Rugen ST18: Nomenclature, Location, Functions, Indications

Nomenclature:

Ru: breast gen: root
Rugen is at the root of the breast.
Point: ST-18
Chinese Name: 乳根
Name: Rugen
English Name/Meaning: Root of the Breast
Pinyin: rǔ gēn
Han Geul 한글: yu geun 유근
Romaji: nyū kon?
Vietnamese: Nhũ căn

Location:

On the chest, directly below the nipple, on the lower border of the breast, in the 5th intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to anterior midline.

Functions:

• Regulates lung and qi of the chest.
• Diffuse connecting vessels of breast.

Indications of rugen:

• This is one of the best points for breast problems like mastitis, insufficient lactation, redness, swelling , pain.
• Pain in chest, cough, asthma.

Method:

Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 cun.

Remarks:

• Best point for breast problems.
• Oblique insertion only.

Precautions:

Deep or perpendicular insertion carries a substantial risk of puncturing the lung.