Conception Vessel 19 (REN 19) Zi Gong — Purple Palace

This point, on the sternum, unbinds the chest and descends rebellious qi.

Conception Vessel 19 (REN 19) Zi Gong 紫宮 — Purple Palace

Location

On the chest, on the anterior midline, at the level of the second intercostal space.

Anatomy

On the sternum; the perforating branches of the internal mammary artery; the anterior cutaneous branch of the second intercostal nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Unbinds the chest and descends rebellious qi
  • Relieves cough and asthma

Indications

Cough and asthma, fullness and pain of the chest, and difficulty swallowing.

Needling

0.3-0.5 cun, transverse insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With REN-17 and LU-1 for cough.

Classical Text References

A Ren Mai point on the sternum.

Cautions & Contraindications

Needle transversely over the sternum.

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

Tai Chi Leads for Breathlessness and Quality of Life in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Network Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Tai Chi): Comparative efficacy of mind-body exercises for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysi - Clinical rehabilitation, 2026.