Stomach Meridian
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ST-21
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
4 cun above the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Invigorates Stomach Qi
- Clears Stomach Heat
Commentary
Liangmen ST-21 is widely used for Stomach disharmony with Excess patterns, such as Stomach Qi Stagnation or Rebellious Stomach Qi. Typical symptoms are nausea, vomiting, epigastric pain or distention and etc.
In fact, the epigastric points on the Stomach Channel are often for Excess patterns while these on the Directing Vessel are more for Deficiency patterns.
Furthermore, when used together with Neiting ST-44, it also clears Stomach Heat, characterized by thirst and a burning epigastric sensation.
Classical Sources
《針灸甲乙經》Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First recorded the point Liangmen, establishing its location on the Stomach channel at the upper abdomen.
Point Name Analysis: The name 'Liangmen' (梁門) translates as 'Beam Gate.' 'Liáng' (梁) refers to a roof beam or horizontal wooden support, while 'mén' (門) means gate or door. This name poetically describes how the point acts as a structural gateway where Stomach Qi and fluids are regulated—like a beam that controls water flow across a threshold. The point constrains and directs the downward flow of digestive substances.
How to Locate
There are 8 cun between the sternocostal angle and the center of the umbilicus. Liangmen ST-21 is in the middle of these two points and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. 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 at right ST-21 may penetrate an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly). Do not needle if the patient has just eaten a large meal. Avoid large amplitude lifting-thrusting needle manipulation. In patients with narrow subcostal angles, the point may fall on the costal margin—consider needle direction adjustment or point selection.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.2 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, enlarged liver on the right, pregnancy.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness around the epigastric region. The sensation may radiate across the upper abdomen. Patients often report a feeling of fullness or pressure at the point that corresponds to the Stomach area.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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