Stomach Meridian
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ST-22
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.8–1.2 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Abdomen — Upper
Location
3 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Invigorates Stomach Qi
- Regulates the water passages
Indications
Commentary
Similar to Burong ST-19, Chengman ST-20 and Liangmen ST-21, Guanmen ST-22 is able to treat Excess patterns of Middle Burner (eg: the Stomach and the epigastric area), such as Stomach Qi Stagnation. However, comparing to its neighboring points, its functions also extend to Lower Burner (eg: abdomen) as well.
Furthermore, it is also widely used to resolve Dampness in the Middle and Lower Burner. Thus it can regulate the water passages so as to facilitate urination and bowel movement. For this purpose, it is often used together with Shuifen REN-9 and Jianli REN-11.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Guanmen as a point on the Stomach channel for treating abdominal disorders.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Records the point for abdominal distension, pain, borborygmus, diarrhea, and edema.
Tongren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tujing (Illustrated Manual of Acupoints on the Bronze Figure): Describes the location as 3 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the midline, indicating its use for gastrointestinal disorders.
How to Locate
There are 8 cun between the sternocostal angle and the center of the umbilicus. Guanmen ST-22 is 5 cun below the sternocostal angle and 3 cun above the umbilicus. It is also 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Or first identify Liangmen ST-21 which is the midpoint between the sternocostal angle and the center of the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Then measure 1 cun below ST-21.
Caution
In thin patients, deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity. Use shallow to moderate depth and perpendicular insertion. Avoid deep needling during pregnancy. Always confirm depth by palpating abdominal muscle thickness before insertion.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.2 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Peritoneum, pregnancy.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and soreness locally in the abdomen, sometimes radiating around the umbilical region. Deqi may feel like a dull aching or heaviness spreading through the epigastric area.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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