Front-mu point of large intestine.

bubble_chart Etymology

Lizheng Anmo Yaoshu from the Qing Dynasty: "The umbilicus in the human body is like the North Star in the sky, hence it is named Tianshu Tianshu (ST25)." The point is named for its proximity to the umbilicus. It is located between the upper and lower abdomen, at the midpoint of the body. As mentioned in Suwen-Zhizhenyao Da Lun: "The upper half of the body is governed by heavenly qi; the lower half is governed by earthly qi... The midpoint is called Tianshu." Leijing Zhang Jing-yue note: "'Shu' (樞) means pivot or mechanism. It lies at the center of the ascent and descent of yin and yang, hence it is called Tianshu." Xunjing Kaoxue Bian: "Tianshu is precisely at the intersection of heaven and earth, and its role in separating the clear and turbid is evident." Therefore, it has the function of regulating the qi mechanism of the middle and lower jiao. Also known as Changxi and Valley Gate (Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing), derive from its location at the convergence of muscles (the rectus abdominis) and its role as the gateway for water and grains (food and drink).

bubble_chart Location

Tianshu (ST25) acupoint
(adapted from "Meridians and Acupoints")

In the middle abdomen, 2 cun lateral to umbilicus, within rectus abdominis muscle.

• Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing: "2 cun lateral to umbilicus on both sides, in the depression".

bubble_chart Anatomy

• Muscles: Rectus abdominis and its sheath.
• Nerve: Branch of the tenth intercostal nerve.
• Vessels: Tenth intercostal artery and vein and inferior epigastric artery and vein.

bubble_chart Manipulation

Perpendicular insertion or oblique insertion 1～1.5 cun. Moxibustion with moxa cone 5 ~ 7 rounds, moxibustion with moxa stick 10 ~ 20 minutes.

Soothe and regulate large intestine, invigorate spleen and resolve dampness, harmonize nutrients and regulate menstruation, regulate qi and eliminate stagnation.

• Classical: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, borborygmus and abdominal distension, edema, red and white leucorrhea, irregular menstruation, stranguria, infertility, malaria chills, severe fever with delirium, umbilical hernia pain radiating around the navel, inguinal hernia, retching, swollen face, running piglet syndrome, indigestion, swollen body, uterine pain, abdominal mass, hematemesis, dysuria, cholera, deficiency and weakness, chronic diarrhea, frequent bowel movements.
• Modern: acute and chronic gastritis, acute and chronic enteritis, bacillary dysentery, intestinal paralysis, acute intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, peritonitis, intestinal ascariasis, and endometritis.

bubble_chart Combinations

• Indigestion, loss of appetite, acute periumbilical pain: Tianshu (ST25), Lidui (ST45), Neiting (ST44).
• Swollen face: Tianshu (ST25), Fenglong (ST40), Lidui (ST45), Xiangu (ST43), Chongyang (ST42) Moon tide violation: Tianshu (ST25), Shuiquan (KI5).
• dysentery: Tianshu (ST25), Dachangshu (BL25), Zusanli (ST36).
• Intestinal paralysis: Tianshu (ST25), Qihai (CV6), Dachangshu (BL25), Shangliao (BL31).
• Appendicitis: Tianshu (ST25), Hegu (LI4), Lanwei (EX-LE7 ), Shangjuxu (ST37), Guanyuan (CV4).