The Sea of Tranquility pressure point (CV 17), located on the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai), is a central acupressure point used to regulate emotional energy and relieve chest tension. Known in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its effect on calming the spirit and supporting Heart and Lung function, this point is commonly activated for anxiety, emotional unrest, and breathing irregularities.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Pressure Point Name | CV 17 – Sea of Tranquility |
| Body Area | Chest |
| Exact Location | Center of breastbone, 3 thumb widths up from base |
| Common Uses | Relieves anxiety, chest tension, emotional distress |
| Stimulation Technique | Use back of thumbs to press firmly for 2 min |
| Contraindications | Avoid if chest trauma, inflammation, or surgical healing is present |
Clinical Significance & Associated Conditions
The Sea of Tranquility pressure point is used to address:
- Emotional distress, including panic, grief, and general anxiety
- Chest tightness or heaviness from physical or psychosomatic causes
- Shortness of breath or restricted upper chest expansion
- Palpitations or irregular heartbeat patterns linked to tension
- Energetic stagnation affecting the Heart and Lung meridians
This point plays a vital role in bridging emotional and physiological health through chest-centered regulation.
Location
CV 17 is located on the midline of the chest, precisely at the center of the sternum, about three thumb-widths (approximately 1.5–2 inches) above the base of the breastbone.
To locate:
- Find the base of the sternum (just above the solar plexus)
- Place three horizontal thumb widths above this point, aligned at midline
- The point is at the level of the fourth intercostal space
CV 17 is featured in thoracic acupressure charts and is easy to identify using skeletal landmarks.
How to Stimulate It
To stimulate the Sea of Tranquility pressure point:
- Technique: Use the backs of the thumbs (or knuckles) to press directly into the sternum
- Direction: Apply firm, steady pressure inward
- Duration: Maintain pressure for 2 minutes, coordinating with deep breathing
- Frequency: Use once to twice daily, or during episodes of emotional tension
- Posture: Seated or lying down with shoulders relaxed and spine supported
Gentle circular motion may be added to further activate the fascia and underlying energy flow.
Benefits and Common Uses
CV 17 is widely used for:
- Reducing anxiety and emotional overwhelm
- Opening the chest to allow deeper breathing
- Alleviating psychosomatic chest discomfort or tension
- Calming the heart and regulating emotional expression
- Releasing energetic stagnation in the thoracic region
In TCM, it is known as the Influential Point of Qi, and its role in gathering and harmonizing Qi makes it critical in treatments involving emotional resilience, respiration, and cardiovascular health.
Physiological Functions & Mechanisms
Anatomically, CV 17 lies over the:
- Body of the sternum
- Intercostal spaces connecting to the internal thoracic artery
- Adjacent nerves of the intercostal and sympathetic chain
Stimulation may:
- Activate vagal tone, promoting parasympathetic nervous system responses
- Facilitate deep, rhythmic breathing, improving oxygen uptake and relaxation
- Reduce upper thoracic muscle tension, especially in stress-related breath-holding
- Influence neurochemical signaling related to heart rate and emotional regulation
Practitioner Insight
In my experience, this point is especially helpful when emotions create a physical barrier in the chest—when breathing feels shallow or emotions feel trapped. A slow, steady press often unlocks both tension and emotion simultaneously.
Safety & Contraindications
Do not use CV 17 in cases of:
- Recent chest injury or surgery, particularly involving the sternum
- Skin inflammation or open wounds in the center of the chest
- Severe osteoporosis or tenderness over the sternum
Always apply pressure gradually and never force deep pressure over the chest. For further safety information, refer to the acupressure safety guide.
As always, listen to your body and stop if discomfort arises.
Related Points & Techniques
CV 17 pairs well with:
- HT 7 – Spirit Gate to ease emotional overload and restore calm
- P 6 – Inner Gate for anxiety and chest tightness
- Yintang – Hall of Impression to center the mind and balance emotions
Complementary techniques:
- Diaphragmatic breathing during and after stimulation
- Gentle tapping over the sternum to release fascia and stored energy
- Heart-focused meditation or visualization post-acupressure
Scientific Perspective
CV 17 has been studied for its effect on autonomic nervous system balance, with evidence pointing to improved heart rate variability (HRV) and decreased sympathetic arousal. Stimulation of the midline chest region may activate the vagus nerve and brainstem centers involved in emotional processing and breath control (NIH).