Conception Vessel 11, Ren-11, Jianli, is one of those acupuncture points that’s very useful but isn’t much used. It’s often not really much discussed in lectures or in many books on acupuncture points. It lies on one of the acupuncture channels called the Conception Vessel.
It’s difficult to understand why because although it may not be as high-profile as some of its neighboring points, like Conception Vessel 12 it is, in my opinion, just as useful as some other much more used points.
3 cun above the centre of the umbilicus, being 3/8 of the distance upwards from the umbilicus on the midline to the sterno-costal angle.
That’s the position in theory. In practice, because of the different sizes of people’s sternum etc, the point may lie less than 3/8 of the distance upwards from the umbilicus to the sterno-costal angle.
However, if you can find Zhongwan, Conception Vessel 12, it is nearly always 3/4 of the way up from the umbilicus to that point.
Vertically, up to 1.5 cun but not deeply in thin patients in case of penetration of the peritoneal cavity.
Usually just local to the point, an ache or a gripping sensation.
Moxibustion. Avoid during pregnancy. Otherwise, up to 15 cones.
I first became aware of the excellence of this point by mistake when, misjudging its position, I had meant to needle Zhongwan, Conception Vessel 12 (Ren-12).
When I re-took the pulses after inserting the needles, I was surprised by how big the change had been and discovered my mistake when I removed the needle.
Since then, I’ve used it almost as often as Ren-12.
Although mostly used for clearing excess patterns, I’ve often used this point to support deficiency of Spleen and Stomach Qi.
Sometimes I’ve used it instead of Conception Vessel 12 Zhongwan, if I think I’ve used the latter too much in a case of deficiency.
Or, if I’m applying moxa to CV12, I may tonify Ren-11 with needle.
Tonified, Ren 11 seems good for empty Stomach conditions, and for the intestinal function in general. It seems to move and harmonise Spleen and Stomach, regulate Qi and diminish stagnation due to pieces of food.
So, supposing you are reading this but know nothing about acupuncture, this is an acupuncture point that can really help your digestion, when you know what to do with it.
But if you’re reading this and know nothing about acupuncture, may I respectfully suggest you start reading at one of our other pages, like this one? It might be more relevant for you and easier to appreciate!
| Ren-1 | Huiyin | Yin Meeting Place |
| Ren-2 | Qugu | Crooked Bone |
| Ren-3 | Zhongji | Utmost Middle |
| Ren-4 | Guanyuan | Source Gate |
| Ren-5 | Shimen | Stonegate |
| Ren-6 | Qihai | Sea of Qi |
| Ren-7 | Yin Jiao | Yin Intersection/td> |
| Ren-8 | Shenque | Spirit Palace Pathway |
| Ren-9 | Shuifen | Water Separation |
| Ren-10 | Xiawan | Lower Stomach Duct |
| Ren-11 | Jianli | Earthing Within |
| Ren-12 | Zhongwan | Utmost Middle |
| Ren-13 | Shangwan | Upper Stomach Duct |
| Ren-14 | Juque | Great Palace Gateway |
| Ren-15 | Jiuwei | Dovetail |
| Ren-16 | Zhongting | Central Hall |
| Ren-17 | Shangzhong | Middle of the Chest |
| Ren-18 | Yutang | Jade Hall |
| Ren-19 | Zigong | Purple Palace |
| Ren-20 | Huagai | Flower Covering |
| Ren-21 | Xuanji | Jade Pearl |
| Ren-22 | Tiantu | Heavenly Rushing |
| Ren-23 | Lianquan | Clear Spring |
| Ren-24 | Chengjiang | Fluid Container |
Stay in Touch!
No spam, only notifications about new articles and updates.
Book a Video consultation if you want to know more about your symptoms
Lung Yang deficiency means your Lungs don’t manage, warm and move Qi round your body properly. Hence, frequent respiratory problems.
Gallbladder channel acupuncture points lie mainly on the side of the body, stretching from eye to fourth toe. They have many important functions.
Gallbladder 20 clears Wind and Excess Yang from the head, easing headache and eye, nose and ear problems. Too strong for some patients.
Dry Skin – how to understand it with yin and yang. It takes healthy Blood to make healthy skin, and a way to get that healthy blood where it’s needed!
The Earth element grounds and stabilises us, providing self-reliance, endurance and dependability. A good digestion is a blessing!
Your Chinese medicine clock time shows when an organ may be more or less energetic, not necessarily at its best!
Subscribe to the Newsletter
If you are interested in understanding how Traditional Chinese Medicine can improve your life sign up to my newsletter for the latest updates.
Subscribe to the Newsletter
If you are interested in understanding how Traditional Chinese Medicine can improve your life sign up to my newsletter for the latest updates.
