Stomach Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
ST-23
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.7–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Abdomen — Upper
Location
2 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Calms the Mind
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Indications
Anxiety
Diarrhoea
Depression
Poor appetite
Shan disorder
Manic behavior
Abdominal pain
Tongue thrusting
Severe epigastric pain
Commentary
Taiyi ST-23's 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.
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. There might be also numbness or cracks on tongue.
Furthermore, Taiyi ST-23 harmonizes the Middle Burner such as the Stomach or epigastrium.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经) - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion: Documents that Taiyi treats "狂癫" (kuang dian - mania and epilepsy), "狂走" (kuang zou - running about madly), and "心烦吐舌" (xin fan tu she - heart vexation with protruding tongue).
Wai Tai Mi Yao (外台秘要) - Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library: Confirms the point's use for manic disorders and digestive complaints.
Tong Ren Shu Xue Zhen Jiu Tu Jing (铜人腧穴针灸图经) - Bronze Man Acupuncture Classic: Lists mania, mental agitation, and gastric disorders among the primary indications.
Regarding the point name: "Taiyi" (太乙) means "Supreme Unity" or "Great Oneness." Classical commentators note that "Tai" signifies supreme importance, while "Yi" means unity or oneness. The name reflects the ancient Chinese cosmological concept that all things arise from the primordial unity, and that the Stomach (which this point influences) is the foundation that nourishes the entire body after birth.
How to Locate
There are 8 cun between the sternocostal angle and the center of the umbilicus. Taiyi ST-23 is 6 cun below the sternocostal angle and 2 cun above the umbilicus. It is also 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Or first identify Liangmen ST-21 which is the midpoint between the sternocostal angle and the center of the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Then measure 2 cun below ST-21.
Caution
Located over the abdominal cavity with peritoneum and small intestine beneath. Do not needle deeply—perpendicular insertion should not exceed 1.0 cun. Use caution in thin patients or those with abdominal distension. Avoid needling if there is abdominal inflammation, intestinal obstruction, or suspected organ enlargement. During pregnancy, use gentle stimulation only.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.7–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Peritoneum, pregnancy.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and soreness locally around the point. The deqi sensation may radiate within the abdominal region. Some patients may feel a mild heaviness or warmth spreading across the upper abdomen.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians