Stomach Meridian
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ST-30
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Contraindicated during pregnancy
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Abdomen — Lower
Location
5 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline, superior to the inguinal groove, on the medial side of the femoral artery, nerve and vein.
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood and Qi in the Lower Burner
- Subdues Rebellious Qi in the Penetrating Vessel
- Tonifies the Pre and Post Heaven Qi
Indications
Impotence
Amenorrhea
Penis pain
Infertility
Vaginal pain
Hernial pain
Heavy periods
Testicle pain
Abdominal pain
Painful period
Swelling penis
Hypogastric pain
Vaginal swelling
Placenta retention
Testicle retraction
Abdominal distension
Irregular menstruation
Difficult breastfeeding
Lower abdominal hardness
Abdominal and epigastric fullness
Commentary
Qichong ST-30 is a very important point of the Stomach Channel with various functions.
First of all, it is a point of the Penetrating Vessel (Chong Mai) and this is how it get its name "Penetrating Qi". Its other name is "Qijie (Qi Street)", which is also an alternative term for Penetrating Vessel. This is the point Penetrating Vessels merges from the Interior and imposes influence over all abdomen Channels.
Since the Penetrating Vessel is the Sea of Blood, ST-30 has a powerful effect in moving Blood, especially in the Lower Burner (eg: genitals, Uterus or lower abdomen). Therefore, it is often indicated in Excess patterns of the abdomen and genitalia, characterized by abdominal pain, abdominal masses, hernia, painful periods, swelling of penis, retention of placenta and swelling of prostate.
In order to enhance the effectiveness, it can also be used together with its so called opening and coupled points: Gongsun SP-4 and Neiguan P-6. This combination is also able to invigorate Qi of the Penetrating Vessel, especially in subduing Rebellious Qi there.
On the other hand, Qichong ST-30 is also the Sea of Food itself. It is because it can enhance the Stomach's function of rotting and ripening food as well as Spleen's function of transformation and transportation. Thus it benefits the digesting system so as to supply Food Qi (Post-Heaven Qi) to the body.
Being a major point of the Penetrating Vessel and Sea of Food, it is the link between the root of the Pre-Heaven Qi (Kidneys) and the root of the Post-Heaven Qi (Stomach). Therefore, it is a powerful point in tonifying both Pre and Post Heaven Qi.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu Chapter 33 (On the Seas): "The Stomach is the Sea of Water and Grain. Its upper transport point is Qichong (ST-30)... its lower transport point is Zusanli (ST-36)." This establishes ST-30 as the upper point of the Sea of Nourishment.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Lumbar pain radiating to the testicles, lower abdomen and thigh, inability to bend forward... needle Qijie [Qichong]. Prolapse of rectum, diarrhea - Qijie treats this. For women without children and lower abdominal pain, needle Qichong."
Su Wen (Basic Questions): "The Chong Mai is the Sea of the Twelve Channels... it meets with Yangming at the Qi Street." This confirms ST-30 as a crucial meeting point of the Stomach channel with the Chong Mai.
Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): "Treats fullness and heat in the abdomen, urinary retention and inability to urinate."
How to Locate
First locate Qugu REN-2 at the cross of the upper border of the pubic symphysis and anterior midline. Locate Qichong ST-30 by measuring 2 cun lateral from REN-2. It is also at the midline between the anterior midline and the mamillary line. It is about 1 cun superior to the inguinal groove and medial to the femoral artery, nerve and vein.
Caution
This point lies near the femoral artery, vein, and nerve - always palpate for the pulse and needle medial to it. In thin patients, deep superior needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity or a full bladder; ask patients to empty the bladder before treatment. In males, deep inferior needling may affect the spermatic cord. The iliohypogastric nerve runs through this area. This point is contraindicated during pregnancy as it strongly moves blood and qi in the lower burner. Some classical texts (Jia Yi Jing) advise against moxibustion here, stating it may cause difficulty breathing due to disrupting the natural outward flow of Chong Mai qi.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun vertically or 1.5 cun slightly obliquely towards the external genitalia for disorders of the urogenital tract. The Bladder needs to be emptied before the needling. Caution: Femoral artery, Pregnancy. Urinary bladder which is quite superficial in a superior direction. In men, the spermatic ducts which is quite superficial in an inferior direction.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness around the inguinal region. Sensation may radiate downward toward the genitals, along the inner thigh following the Liver channel to LR-11, or upward along the abdomen. Some patients report warmth spreading through the lower abdomen. Care should be taken to avoid the femoral artery pulsation.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes, or 3–5 moxa cones
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Questionable
Four Seas Classification
Sea Type:
Sea of Food (Water & Grain)
Position:
Upper Point
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