Stomach Meridian
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ST-20
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Abdomen — Upper
Location
5 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline, or 1 cun below Burong ST-19.
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Subdues Rebellious Qi
Indications
Commentary
Chengman ST-20's functions are very similar to Burong ST-19's.
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.
On the other hand, it can also subdues Rebellious Lung Qi, characterized by coughing or short of breath.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First documented this point's location and indications for abdominal fullness and gastric disorders.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Chengman among the abdominal points of the Stomach channel with indications for epigastric pain, vomiting, and digestive disorders.
How to Locate
There are 8 cun between the sternocostal angle and the center of the umbilicus. Chengman ST-20 is 3 cun below the sternocostal angle and 5 cun above the umbilicus. It is also 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. It is 1 cun below Burong ST-19. Depends on the shape of the thorax, the location might be either on the rib or on the abdomen.
Caution
In thin patients, deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity. Deep needling on the right side may penetrate an enlarged liver. In some patients with a narrow subcostal angle, this point may fall on the costal margin—consider needling more medially or choosing an alternative point. Always needle with caution and avoid exceeding recommended depth.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. As each patient's thorax shape varies, the point may fall on the lower border of the ribcage or on the ribcage. If the actual point location on the lower ribcage, needle transversely on the rib or locate the point more medially, or choose an alternative point. Caution: Peritoneum
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and heaviness in the upper abdomen. The sensation may radiate around the epigastric region. Patients typically feel a dull, full sensation at the point.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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