Acupuncture
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
EX-CA3
Safety Warnings
- Contraindicated during pregnancy
Needle Depth
0.8–1.2 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Abdomen — Lower
Location
4 cun lateral to the anterior midline and 2 cun superior to the upper border of the pubic symphysis.
Main Actions
- Lifts and regulates Qi
Commentary
Just as its name indicates, Tituo EX-CA lifts the sinking Qi. In fact, it is the most important modern Extra point for treating Uterus prolapse.
It also regulates Qi in the Lower Burner so as to treat period pain as well as abdominal distension and pain.
Classical Sources
Tituo (提托) is a modern extra point not found in classical texts. Its name literally means "lift and support," reflecting its primary clinical function of raising sinking Qi. This point emerged from empirical clinical practice in modern China as a specialized point for treating organ prolapse conditions, particularly uterine prolapse.
The point's effectiveness has been documented in contemporary Chinese acupuncture clinical manuals and teaching texts, where it is recognized as "the most important modern Extra point for treating uterus prolapse."
How to Locate
The distance between the upper border of the pubic symphysis and the center of the umbilicus is 5 cun. Guanyuan REN-4 is on the anterior midline and 2 cun superior to the upper border of the public symphysis. Tituo EX-CA is 4 cun lateral to Guanyuan REN-4.
Caution
Use caution in pregnant women as this point is located in the lower abdomen near the uterus. The specialized prolapse technique (threading needle toward REN-2 and lifting muscle fibers) requires advanced training and should only be performed by experienced practitioners. Ensure bladder is empty before needling.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.2 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun. Caution: Peritoneum, pregnancy
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and heaviness in the lower abdomen. For the specialized prolapse technique, a pulling sensation is expected when the needle wraps muscle fibers and is lifted upward. The Qi sensation should feel like an upward drawing or lifting in the pelvic region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
N/A
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
N/A
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians