5 March: Contemplations on the Solar Term ‘Awakenings of Insects’
The slumbering earth awakens as insects, birds, and trees respond to the rising Qi of the season. All living beings emerge gradually from the stillness of hibernation. Fertilizing and ploughing begin, preparing the ground for what is to come. In the same way, inner life prepares for new growth as thoughts, feelings, and intentions begin to stir. Observe what emerges and attune to the natural rhythm of this awakening, as all creatures respond to this movement of Qi.
Cv-12 (Zhong Wan, Central Venter), located in the center of the upper abdomen, is the Front-Mu point of the Stomach and the San Jiao (Middle Jiao), and the Hui-meeting point of the Fu organs.
It is a key point for the regulation and movement of Qi in the body, tonifying Yang and harmonizing the middle Jiao.
The lung channel emerges from Cv-12 in the middle burner. It touches and penetrates respectively the large intestine, the stomach and the lungs after which it joins the throat at Cv-22, Tian Tu, heaven’s prominence or celestial chimney. Then it emerges and becomes palpable at Lu-1, Zhong Fu, central treasury. The trajectory of the lung channel starts in earth (Cv-12) and reaches out to heaven, expressing the basic principle of the meeting of yin and yang.
Cv-12 primarily harmonizes the central part of the body. The start of the lung channel in the earth area goes along with the balanced pivot earth space that relates to the earthly branch Chou, Liver. From the space of Cv-12, the Qi of the lung channel moves down and up, similar to the growth of the plant during the earthly branch Chou. It roots in the large intestine and flows up to the stomach and passes the diaphragm to meet the lungs and throat at Cv-22.
This acupuncture point controls the exit of Qi to the chest similar to the first green buds and flowers that touch the light of the sun in spring. The Qi of the lung at Cv-22 determines the power of the voice, the clarity of creative thoughts and all other forms of the creative expression of innovation.
When balanced, Cv-12 allows Qi to flow freely upward while maintaining a sense of inner calm, integrating grounded Middle Jiao Qi with rising Yang. This harmony supports clear thinking, inner clarity, grounded decision-making, and confident action.
When blocked or imbalanced, this free flow is disrupted, leading to worry, hesitation, or a sense of stagnation. According to the Nei Jing, such disturbances can cause stagnation of Ying and Wei Qi, creating conflict between rising Yin Qi and perverse Qi, sometimes expressed as discomfort radiating to the back.
Cv-12 is one of the four ‘reunion points’ of Yin and Yang energies (Cv-4, Cv-12, Cv-22, Gv-4), and can be used to restore balance along the Ren Mai and Du Mai channels, promoting smooth flow of Qi and supporting inner clarity, calm, and readiness for action.
In early March, as Qi begins to rise with the awakening of spring, Cv-12 is particularly receptive, making it easier to harmonize grounded and rising Qi and support the natural movement of Qi of this season.
May this season of awakening bring balance, vitality, and a clear mind.
