Great Palace
Dear Patient,
It’s said that between Heaven and Earth, humans exist. We serve as a conduit between these two poles, imprints of each encoded into our DNA and expressed in our physical traits.
7th-century Chinese physician Sun Si Miao said, “Between heaven and earth, mankind is precious.”
Within the body, this is represented most fully in the Heart organ system. The Heart governs the Blood, which warms and nourishes every part of the body. And it houses the Shen, which encompasses consciousness, the emotions, and mental vitality. We connect to the Earth via the Blood, and to Heaven via the Shen. At the center is the Heart.
The acupuncture point Ren 14, located just below the sternum, is where the qi of the Heart gathers. Its name means Great Palace, a nod to the Heart’s place as sovereign over all the other internal organs.
Heaven and Earth join within the Heart of every one of us, this trinity of Heaven, Earth and Human collecting at Ren 14. When you want to feel your place in the universe, your Blood grounding you into the earth and your Shen reaching up to the heavens, bring your awareness to Ren 14. The divine union between Heaven and Earth resides within you, in that Great Palace.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist
P.S. Every Wednesday I write about a different acupuncture point. Are there any you’re curious about? Let me know!
Location Notes:
Ren 14 is located on the midline of the abdomen, about six inches above the umbilicus. It’s usually found just below the xiphoid process, aka the lower tip of the sternum.