Stomach Channel

Shuidao ST-28

Chinese: 水道

Pinyin: Shuǐ Dào

Location

3 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to anterior midline. 

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. 

Main actions

  1. Regulates Body Fluids in the Lower Burner and benefits urination
  2. Invigorates Qi and Blood in Lower Burner and regulates menstruation

Indications

Oedema Infertility Abdominal pain Painful period Hypogastric pain Urinary retention Abdominal fullness Placenta retention Urinary difficulty Abdominal distension Retention of dead fetus Polycystic ovary syndrome

Needling

Vertically 0.5–1 cun.

Caution: Peritoneum, urinary bladder, pregnancy

Commentary for Shuidao ST-28

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.