When something hurts, we’re used to treating it at the exact spot. Such is often the logic of modern medicine: a pill for every symptom. However, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a broader perspective—one where systems are interconnected and symptoms serve as clues to a deeper imbalance. That’s where the acupoint, Encircling Glory (Zhou Rong, SP20), comes in.
Located on the chest and sitting at the crossroads of two major systems—the lungs and the spleen—it offers a surprising opportunity for holistic healing that goes far beyond surface-level relief.
TCM Context: Where Energy Turns and Spreads
First mentioned in the “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing” (“A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”), Zhou Rong is part of the Spleen meridian. What makes this point unique is the way vital energy or qi behaves there. It sits where the Spleen meridian (energy pathway) makes a sharp turn downwards, and sharp turns are known as sites that need regular attention to keep things moving smoothly.
Encircling Glory’s name reflects its energetic behavior: the qi doesn’t just move through—it spreads outwards, like water spraying from a fountain. This makes Zhou Rong a strategic point for affecting the surrounding chest area, including the lungs, even though it’s on the Spleen meridian.
Supports Digestion, Eases Breathing
Zhou Rong’s double connection to the spleen and lungs gives it a wide range of applications. On the spleen side, it’s used to address issues like loss of appetite—an important function since, in TCM, the spleen governs the transformation and transportation of nutrients. When this energy is weak or blocked, appetite disappears.
On the lung side, the applications broaden considerably. The Zhou Rong acupoint is used for treating lung-related conditions, including pleurisy, lung abscesses, and bronchiectasis. It also shows up in treatment protocols for people with persistent chest or upper back pain or even narrowing of the esophagus that makes swallowing and eating solid foods painful. Zhou Rong helps restore proper qi flow in the chest, easing tightness, pain, and breathing difficulties.
The Spleen-Lung Partnership in Modern Practice
Interestingly, modern clinical data backs up this ancient understanding of the spleen-lung relationship. One major study on non-small cell lung cancer analyzed nearly 1,000 TCM prescriptions and found that the most common targeted meridians were the spleen and lung meridians. Herbs like Huangqi, Baizhu, and Fuling—all frequently used to tonify these organs—showed up repeatedly.
Another study on heart failure with preserved ejection fraction revealed a similar trend—the most effective herbal therapies supported both the spleen and lungs.
How to Locate and Stimulate Zhou Rong
According to classical texts, Zhou Rong is located six cun (a traditional Chinese unit of measurement equal to the width of the thumb at the knuckle) lateral to the midline in the second intercostal space. However, there’s an easier way to find it: the nipple is four cun from the midline, sitting on the 4th rib. Start there, move two finger-widths to the side, then count two ribs up. You’ll land in the space between the second and third ribs. Press gently in that area and look for a sore or tender spot. These locations are called “ashi-points,” and they confirm that you’ve found your acupoint.
How to Stimulate Zhou Rong
- Firm pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Circular massage: Massage in small circles with your index finger or thumb for one to three minutes on each side.
- Herbal patch: Apply an herbal patch overnight for longer activation.
- Advanced methods: Acupuncture or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) by a trained professional can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precautions
Because this point is on the chest, acupuncture should only be performed by a trained professional. If using herbal patches, read the ingredient list carefully to avoid harsh ingredients, especially if your skin is sensitive.
Where the Systems Intersect, Holistic Healing Can Begin
Zhou Rong is more than just a spot on the chest. It’s a powerful reminder that our bodies are not compartmentalized machines but integrated ecosystems. If you’ve ever noticed how a tight chest can kill your appetite—or how digestive trouble makes it hard to breathe deeply—you’ve already experienced the spleen-lung connection firsthand. A few minutes of self-care at this acupoint may relieve symptoms and bring you closer to a more balanced, interconnected sense of well-being.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 21 June 2025
