Conception Vessel 21, Ren-21 Xuanji

Conception Vessel 21, Ren-21, Xuanji, Jade Pearl, is the 21st acupuncture point along the Conception Vessel, at the top of the chest. We should probably use it more in these sceptical times.

Its name denotes something of great value, but also is or was the name of a star, so connects the upper part of the sternum with the Heavens. To some acupuncturists this is a load of tosh; to others it suggests a point of great value, when rightly used.

Local, or with great skill, may be directed towards the area of discomfort.

Moxa on Ren 21

Moxibustion: up to 5 cones.

ACTIONS of Conception Vessel 21

• Opens the chest: asthma, cough, fullness in the chest
• Descends uprising or rebellious Qi
• Clears lumps in the stomach or abdomen from stagnant food – see also food retention. For this, use with Stomach 36, Zusanli
• Benefits the throat and larynx

Its name Xuanji – Jade Pearl

The name and use of the point are much discussed in several ancient classic texts, like the Yellow Courtyard and the Ode to Elucidate Mysteries.

Its position at the top of the sternum, the uppermost part of the structure of the thorax, gives it significance as the point touching Heaven (neck and throat) and yet made of Earth (bone).

Whether it really has useful psychological properties is not so certain, unlike the next point on the channel, Conception Vessel 22.

However, we should not ignore points with names of such quality. The ancients obviously thought this point was important. We just have to work out why.