Stomach Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
ST-24
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
1 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Calms the Mind
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Indications
Vomiting
Depression
Cracked tongue
Epigastric pain
Tongue thrusting
Tongue stiffness
Vomiting of blood
Commentary
Huaroumen ST-24 is similar to Taiyi ST-23, which is just 1 cun above.
Its main function is to calm the Mind and ease emotional problems.
Most importantly, this point can be stimulated to resolve Phlegm, which is often the result of Spleen dysfunction. Several Stomach Channel points can assist the Spleen in transforming Dampness or Phlegm. If not solved, the Phlegm (often with Heat) rises and mists the Heart, as a result it lead to symptoms such as depression, agitation or mad walking.
Also, the Heart opens to the tongue. Therefore the tongue movement could be out of control when Phlegm-Heat mists the Heart. The tongue repeatedly thrust out of the mouth like a snake's tongue.
Furthermore, Taiyi ST-23 harmonizes the Middle Burner such as the Stomach or epigastrium.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First classical text to document this point, establishing its location and basic indications.
Name Etymology: "Huarou" (滑肉) refers to "slippery flesh" or preliminary digested fine food. The point is located where stomach contents are said to be "clear above the turbid below," functioning as a gate (门 mén) through which refined nutrients pass. This reflects its role in regulating digestive transformation.
How to Locate
There are 8 cun between the sternocostal angle and the center of the umbilicus. Huaroumen ST-24 is 7 cun below the sternocostal angle and 1 cun above the umbilicus. It is also 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Caution
Located on the abdomen with the peritoneum and small intestine directly underneath. Avoid deep or aggressive needling. Use caution in patients with abdominal distension, ascites, or organ enlargement. Needle slowly and perpendicularly, avoiding excessive depth to prevent peritoneal perforation.
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
Local distension and soreness around the needle site, with possible radiation toward the umbilicus or lateral abdomen. Sensation of warmth or fullness in the epigastric region may accompany proper deqi.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians