Stomach Meridian
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ST-25
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Contraindicated during pregnancy
Needle Depth
0.7–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Abdomen — Middle
Location
2 cun lateral to the center of the umbilicus.
Main Actions
- Regulates the Intestines, Stomach and Spleen
- Invigorates Qi and Blood in the Uterus
- Resolves Dampness
- Expels Wind-Heat
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Commentary
Tianshu ST-25 is a very important point of the Stomach Channel.
First of all, it is widely used for all types of Stomach Excess patterns that leads to abdominal pain and distension. Other typical symptoms include umbilical pain, borborygmi or constipation.
Secondly, if it is used with moxibustion, it warms and tonifies the Spleen and the Intestines. It treats chronic diarrhoea or undigested food in stools caused by Spleen Yang Deficiency. In this situation, it is often used together with Qihai REN-6 and Shangjuxu ST-37. As the Front Collecting point of the Large Intestine Channel, it is especially indicated in acute patterns of the Organ.
Dampness in the Intestines or Oedema can also cause diarrhoea, which can be resolved by Tianshu ST-25. In fact, this point is always used for bowel disorders regardless constipation or diarrhoea. Other typical manifestations include leukorrhoea, oedema, swelling of face or turbid urine.
Furthermore, it has a powerful effect in Uterus function by invigorating Qi and Blood there. Typical manifestations include period pain, irregular menstruation and infertility.
Tianshu ST-25 is able to expel Exterior Wind-Heat as well. In fact, it is widely used in the Bright Yang Stage of the Six Stage Theory or Qi Level of the Four Level Theory. In these cases, it is often combined with Quchi LI-11.
Finally, it calms the Mind by resolving the Dampness or Phlegm that mists the Heart, which is often a direct result of the Spleen and Stomach dysfunction. This function is very similar to its neighboring points of Taiyi ST-23 and Huaroumen ST-24.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Divine Pivot): First classical reference to the point, establishing its location at the level of the umbilicus.
Qian Jin Fang (Thousand Ducat Formulas) by Sun Si-Miao: "For difficult urination... moxibustion at Tianshu 100 cones. Tianshu treats malaria with shivering and vigorous heat causing delirious speech. Tianshu treats winter cold invasion causing diarrhea, umbilical pain, and cutting pain from wandering qi in the intestines and stomach."
Classical name meaning: Tian (天) means "Heaven" and Shu (枢) means "pivot" or "hinge." The point is named because the region above the navel represents Heaven (Yang) and below represents Earth (Yin). This point lies at the level of the navel, serving as the pivot between the upper and lower body—the celestial axis around which digestion and transformation occur.
How to Locate
Tianshu ST-25 is 2 cun lateral to the center of the umbilicus. It is also the midpoint between the umbilicus and mamillary line.
Caution
In thin patients, deep needling may penetrate the peritoneal cavity and reach the small intestine. Avoid needling during menstruation or with heavy menstrual bleeding as it may increase blood flow. Contraindicated during pregnancy (especially after the first trimester) as strong stimulation may affect the uterus. Always palpate the abdomen before needling to assess tissue depth.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.7–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1.5 cun. For gynaecological disorders, obliquely in an inferior direction towards the uterus. Caution: Peritoneum, pregnancy. The needle may reach the aponeuroses of the oblique abdominal musculature at the transition to the sheath of the rectus abdominis muscle.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and heaviness around the umbilicus, often radiating through the lower abdomen. Some patients report a sensation of intestinal movement or warmth spreading across the abdominal region. With deeper needling toward the uterus for gynecological conditions, the sensation may radiate to the lower pelvis.
Moxibustion
Particularly Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Organ & Tissue Associations
Front-Mu Point for:
Large Intestine
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