Stomach Meridian
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ST-19
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Abdomen — Upper
Location
2 cun below the sternocostal angel and 6 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Subdues Rebellious Qi
Indications
Commentary
Burong ST-19 is an important point of the Stomach Channel. It can be used for almost all types of Full Stomach patterns, including Stomach Qi Stagnation, Rebellious Stomach Qi, Dampness in the Stomach or Retention of Food. Typical symptoms are feeling of fullness in the epigastrium, sour regurgitation, nausea, epigastric distension and pain, vomiting or lack of appetite.
In fact, the point's name 'Bu Rong' literally means the Stomach is full and can not contain more content.
On the other hand, it can also subdues Rebellious Lung Qi, characterized by coughing or short of breath.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 (Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing - The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Burong among the Stomach channel points and describes its location as 6 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the midline.
《针灸大成》 (Zhenjiu Dacheng - Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Documents the point's indications for stomach disorders, vomiting, and abdominal distension. The name "Burong" (不容, "Not Contained") refers to the inability to contain food due to stomach dysfunction.
《铜人腧穴针灸图经》 (Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing - Bronze Figure Manual): Confirms the point location and adds indications for epigastric pain and poor appetite.
How to Locate
There are 8 cun between the sternocostal angle and the center of the umbilicus. Burong ST-19 is 2 cun below the sternocostal angle and 6 cun above the umbilicus. It is also 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Depends on the shape of the thorax, the point might be either on the rib or on the abdomen.
Caution
ST-19 is located in the upper abdomen near the liver and stomach organs. Deep needling is contraindicated as it may injure the liver (especially if enlarged) or penetrate the peritoneal cavity. Needle perpendicularly at shallow depth (0.5-0.8 cun) only. Extra caution is required in patients with hepatomegaly (enlarged liver) or gastric distension. Avoid needling on a full stomach.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. As each patient's thorax shape varies, the point may fall on either rib or the abdomen. If the actual point location on the rib, needle transversely on the rib or locate the point more medially, or choose an alternative point. Caution: Peritoneum, pericardium.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness in the upper abdomen. Deqi may radiate to the epigastric region. Some patients report a sense of warmth or fullness spreading from the needling site.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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