Stomach Meridian
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ST-28
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
Needle Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Abdomen — Lower
Location
3 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Regulates Body Fluids in the Lower Burner and benefits urination
- Invigorates Qi and Blood in Lower Burner and regulates menstruation
Indications
Commentary
Shuidao ST-28 is a very important point for the Lower Burner disorders.
As its name 'Water Passages' indicates, it is a major point to promote Body Fluids transformation, transportation and excretion. Typical manifestations include Oedema as well as urinary difficulty or retention, especially in Excess patterns.
Two other points have similar function of harmonizing Body Fluids. Their names also contain 'Shui (Water)': Renzhong DU-26 (also called 'Shuigou) for the Upper Burner and Shuifen REN-9 for the Middle Burner.
Furthermore, Shuidao ST-28 regulates menstruation by invigorating Qi and Blood in the Lower Burner. It is also widely used for infertility due to Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 (Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng - The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "三焦约，大小便不通，水道主之" - When the San Jiao (Triple Burner) is constrained and both urination and defecation are blocked, Shuidao governs this.
《针灸甲乙经》: "小腹胀满，痛引阴中，月水至则腰脊痛，胞中瘕，子门有寒，引髌髀，水道主之" - For lower abdominal distension and fullness, pain radiating to the genitals, low back and spine pain during menstruation, masses in the uterus, cold in the uterine gate, and pain radiating to the knee and thigh, Shuidao governs these.
《铜人腧穴针灸图经》 (Tóngrén Shūxué Zhēnjiǔ Tújīng - Bronze Figure Classic): "治膀胱有寒，三焦结热，小便不利" - Treats cold in the Bladder, heat accumulation in the San Jiao, and difficulty urinating.
《备急千金要方》 (Bèijí Qiānjīn Yàofāng - Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): "三焦、膀胱、肾中热气，灸水道随年壮" - For heat in the San Jiao, Bladder, and Kidneys, apply moxa at Shuidao according to the patient's age in cones.
How to Locate
There are 5 cun between the umbilicus and the upper border of the pubic symphysis. Shuidao ST-28 is located 3 cun below the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Caution
Located over the lower abdomen with the peritoneum and small intestine beneath. Deep needling should be performed with caution. Pregnancy caution applies - use reduced stimulation and avoid strong manipulation in pregnant patients. Ensure the bladder is not distended before needling.
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
Distension and soreness locally, possibly extending to the lower side of the abdomen. Some patients may experience sensation radiating toward the genital region or inner thigh.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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