Stomach 18 (ST 18) Ru Gen — Breast Root

This point, below the breast, is the principal local point for breast disorders and promotes lactation.

Stomach 18 (ST 18) Ru Gen 乳根 — Breast Root

Location

On the chest, in the fifth intercostal space, directly below the nipple, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Anatomy

On pectoralis major and the external intercostals; the intercostal and lateral thoracic arteries; the fifth intercostal nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Benefits the breast and promotes lactation
  • Unbinds the chest and descends rebellious qi

Indications

Insufficient lactation, mastitis and breast pain, cough and asthma, and chest pain.

Needling

0.3-0.5 cun, oblique or transverse insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Moxibustion may be used, classically to promote lactation.

Point Combinations

With SI-1 and ST-36 for insufficient lactation; with SP-18 for breast disorders.

Classical Text References

The chief local point for the breast.

Cautions & Contraindications

Deep perpendicular insertion risks pneumothorax; needle obliquely or transversely.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Traditional Chinese Medicine Improves Nutritional Status in Maintenance Haemodialysis Patients, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine in improving nutritional status among Chinese maintenance hemodialysis patients: a meta-analysis of - Frontiers in nutrition, 2026.