Stomach Meridian
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ST-29
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Contraindicated during pregnancy
Needle Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Abdomen — Lower
Location
4 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Removes Blood Stagnation of the Uterus and Lower Burner
- Lifts Qi and firms the Essence
Indications
Commentary
Guilai ST-29 is a very important local point to remove Blood Stagnation in the Uterus and the Lower Burner. It can be used in almost all types of menstruation issues or infertility due to Blood Stagnation.
Despite that it is mainly used for invigorating Blood in Excess patterns, it is also able to tonify and lift Qi in Deficiency patterns such as the Sinking/Collapsing Qi of the Lower Burner. As a result, it firms the Essence in men. Typical symptoms are prolapse of Uterus, seminal emissions, impotence, and nocturia.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, c. 282 CE): Records Guilai for treating hernia, abdominal pain, and disorders of the uterus. The text establishes the point's location at 4 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the midline.
Name significance: The name 归来 (Guī Lái) meaning 'Return' or 'Come Back' refers to this point's classical function of returning prolapsed organs (especially the uterus) and restoring the normal flow of menstruation. Classical texts note it is particularly indicated when menses have ceased or organs have descended from their proper position.
Zhenjiu Dacheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 1601): Lists the primary indications as abdominal pain, shan qi (hernia), irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, and uterine prolapse.
How to Locate
There are 5 cun between the umbilicus and the upper border of the pubic symphysis. Guilai ST-29 is located 4 cun below the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Caution
This point lies over the lower abdomen where deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity, especially in thin patients. Always ensure the patient has emptied their bladder before needling to avoid puncturing a distended bladder. Use caution with needle depth—the standard 1.0–1.5 cun is appropriate for most patients, but reduce depth significantly in thin individuals. Contraindicated during pregnancy due to its strong action on moving Blood in the uterus and its traditional use for promoting menstruation and labor.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Peritoneum, urinary bladder, pregnancy.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Deqi typically manifests as a sensation of distension, heaviness, or soreness in the lower abdomen. The sensation may radiate locally toward the genitals or into the pelvic region. In some patients, particularly when treating gynecological conditions, the needle sensation may extend toward the uterus or ovarian area.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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