Stomach Meridian
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ST-15
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Chest
Location
In the 2nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Descends Rebellious Qi and opens the chest
- Eases skin pain and itchiness
- Benefits the breasts
Indications
Coughing
Wheezing
Dyspnoea
Chest pain
Weak Limbs
Limbs pain
Breast pain
Breast lumps
Body itching
Chest distension
Shortness of breath
Feeling of heaviness
Lateral costal region pain
Lateral costal region fullness
Coughing with blood-streaked sputum
Commentary
Wuyi ST-15 is not a major point of the Stomach Channel.
Its main function is to descend Rebellious Qi and open the chest, characterized by distention and pain in the chest or lateral costal region, coughing, breathlessness and etc.
It also eases pain and general skin itchiness.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 (Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing): "Wuyi is located 1.6 cun below Kufang, in the depression."
Name etymology: "Wu" (屋) means roof or house; "Yi" (翳) means screen or covering. The point lies at the level of the middle segment of the Lungs, where breath reaches like entering a hidden deep chamber beneath a roof—hence the name "Roof Screen."
How to Locate
First identify the mammillary line by drawing an imaginary line between the clavicular midpoint and nipple. This line is 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Palpate along this line from the top and locate Wuyi ST-15 in the second intercostal space.
Caution
Located directly over the lungs in the 2nd intercostal space. Deep perpendicular needling carries substantial risk of puncturing the lung and causing pneumothorax. Only use oblique or transverse insertion along the intercostal space. Practitioners should be trained in chest point needling safety protocols.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–0.8 cun obliquely or transversely, parallel to the course of the intercostal space or with or against the channel pathway. Caution: pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness radiating along the intercostal space. Some patients may experience a sensation spreading toward the nipple or laterally toward the axilla.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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