Library

2) Quya (ST7). Qu means "hidden." Ya refers to the bone governed by the Kidney, indicating that the substance within the acupoint is water. The name Quya implies that the gaseous material transmitted upward from this acupoint to the head is rich in dampness and moisture. The substance of this acupoint is the damp-moisture gaseous material transmitted from Daying (ST5); its concentration of dampness is relatively high, resembling hidden water, hence the name Quya.

3) Jiguan (ST8). Ji means "clever" or "ingenious," and Guan means "checkpoint" or "gate." The name Jiguan implies that this acupoint acts as a checkpoint for the fluid channel water (Di Bu Jing Shui) transmitted from Daying (ST5). Because this acupoint is located superiorly, part of the fluid channel water from Daying is naturally blocked at this acupoint due to the Earth's gravitational field. The manner of this blockage is very ingenious, hence the name Jiguan.

4) Guichuang (ST9). Gui, relative to Shen (spirit), refers to the substance within the acupoint being fluid channel water (Di Bu Jing Shui). Chuang means a vessel that supports objects. The name Guichuang implies that the channel water within the acupoint flows while being supported by other substances. The substance of this acupoint is the damp-moisture gaseous material transmitted from Daying (ST5); it travels upward along the Stomach Meridian to Xiaguan (ST7). The concentration of dampness in the gaseous material is relatively high, similar to carrying water upward, hence the name Guichuang.

5) Yache (ST10). Ya refers to the bone governed by the Kidney, indicating that the substance within the acupoint is water. Che means a vehicle or carrier. The name Yache implies that this acupoint has the function of transporting the Stomach Meridian's channel water upward to the head. The rationale is the same as that for Quya (ST7).

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is damp-moisture gaseous material with a relatively high concentration of dampness.

Course of Movement: The damp-moisture gaseous material moves upward from this acupoint along the Stomach Meridian to Xiaguan (ST7).

Functions and Actions: Transmits the refined substances of the Stomach Meridian upward to the head.

Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation.

7 Xiaguan (ST7).

Acupoint Meaning: The qi and blood substances provided by the Stomach Meridian to the head are separated here, with clear substances ascending and turbid substances descending.

Name Explanation: Xia refers to the fact that the qi and blood substances regulated by this acupoint are yin and heavy dampness and moisture. Guan means checkpoint. The name Xiaguan implies that this acupoint acts as a checkpoint for the yin-turbid portion of the qi and blood substances transported by the Stomach Meridian to the head. The substance of this acupoint is the Tian Bu (Heavenly Level) moist-air gaseous material transmitted from Jiache (ST6). Upon reaching this acupoint, the heavy and turbid portion of the moist-air cools and descends to the Di Bu (Earth Level). This acupoint acts like a strict gatekeeper for the refined qi and blood substances transported to the head, hence the name Xiaguan.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is moist-air gaseous material at the Tian Bu level.

Course of Movement: The heavy and stagnant dampness sinks from the Tian Bu level to the Di Bu level, while the light and pure yang qi ascends along the meridian to Touwei (ST8).

Functions and Actions: Separates the clear from the turbid in the Stomach Meridian's qi and blood.

Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation and release the qi from the needle.

8 Touwei (ST8). Intersection of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian, and Yang-Wei Vessel.

Alternative Name: Sangda.

Acupoint Meaning: The refined substances of grains from the Stomach Meridian are distributed here to various parts of the head.

Name Explanation: 1) Touwei. Tou refers to the location of the acupoint and also indicates that the human body part regulated by the substance within the acupoint is the head. Wei means to maintain or sustain. The name Touwei implies that the qi and blood substances of this acupoint have the function of maintaining the normal order of the head. The head is the gathering place of all yang meridians; it relies on the continuous transmission of yang qi and nutritional substances by various meridians to maintain its normal operation. The Stomach Meridian belongs to the category of meridians abundant in qi and blood, accounting for a certain proportion in the transmission of yang qi to the head, playing an important role in the normal operation of various functions of the head. Since the transmission of Stomach Meridian qi and blood to the head relies on this acupoint, it is named Touwei.

2) Sangda. Sang refers to the forehead. Da means many, indicating the abundance of qi and blood within the acupoint. The Stomach Meridian belongs to the Yangming category, which is abundant in qi and blood. Compared with other meridians, the Stomach Meridian transports more qi and blood substances to the head. As this acupoint is the exit for the Stomach Meridian's qi and blood to supply the head, the amount of qi and blood substances transported is large, hence the name Sangda.

3) Intersection of Foot-Shaoyang, Yangming, and Yang-Wei. This acupoint is where the Stomach Meridian transports qi and blood to the head. Because the volume and strength of the transported qi and blood are large, and the movement resembles wind, its nature is similar to the qi and blood of the Gallbladder Meridian, thus forming an intersection with the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. Furthermore, since the pure yang qi transported to the head by this acupoint is similar in nature to the qi and blood of the Yang-Wei Vessel, it forms an intersection with the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian and the Yang-Wei Vessel.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is yang qi at the Tian Bu level.

Course of Movement: The yang qi disperses to various parts of the head in a manner resembling wind.

Functions and Actions: Transports the yang qi and refined substances of the Stomach Meridian to various parts of the head.

Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation.

9 Renying (ST9).

Alternative Names: Tianwu Hui, Wu Hui.

Acupoint Meaning: The qi and blood of the Stomach Meridian are transmitted here to supply the body parts below the head.

Name Explanation: 1) Renying. Ren refers to the common people, indicating the chest and abdomen. Ying means to receive. The name Renying implies that the qi and blood of the Stomach Meridian are transmitted from this acupoint to the body parts below the chest and abdomen. The substance of this acupoint is the Di Bu (Earth Level) channel water transmitted via branching from Dicang (ST4). Its transmission area is the chest, abdomen, hands, and feet below the head. Compared with the qi and blood transmitted by Daying (ST5) to the head, the head is the ruler, receiving large and honored amounts of qi and blood, while the chest, abdomen, hands, and feet are the subjects, receiving qi and blood through different distribution methods. Hence, this acupoint is named Renying.

2) Tianwu Hui, Wu Hui. Tian refers to the location of this acupoint at the Heavenly level. Wu Hui refers to the fact that the qi and blood substance of this acupoint is transformed from the refined substances of grains received by the Stomach. The qi and blood within the acupoint contain various nutritional substances required by the five zang organs, six fu organs, and other parts of the human body, hence the name.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is Di Bu (Earth Level) channel water, with a warm nature.

Course of Movement: The channel water moves downward along the Di Bu level of the Stomach Meridian to Shuitu (ST10).

Functions and Actions: Receives the qi and blood of the Stomach Meridian and distributes it to the chest and abdomen.

Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation.

10 Shuitu (ST10).

Alternative Names: Shuimen, Shuitian, Tianmen.

Acupoint Meaning: The channel water of the Stomach Meridian undergoes massive vaporization here and ascends to the Tian Bu level.

Name Explanation: 1) Shuitu. Shui refers to the substance within the acupoint being Di Bu (Earth Level) liquid. Tu means breakthrough. The name Shuitu implies that the Di Bu channel water of the Stomach Meridian undergoes massive vaporization due to the heat of Heart fire flaming upward. The substance of this acupoint is the Di Bu channel water transmitted from Renying (ST9). Located in the neck, the channel water receives the heat of Heart fire flaming upward and undergoes massive vaporization, resembling water boiling and surging upward in a pot, hence the name Shuitu.

2) Shuimen. Shui refers to the substance within the acupoint being water. Men refers to the place of entry and exit, the mechanism of opening and closing. The name Shuimen implies that this acupoint serves as the gateway for the entry and exit of channel water. The substance of this acupoint is the Di Bu channel water transmitted from Renying (ST9). Because this acupoint is located in the neck, it is the pathway for Heart fire flaming upward to the face and head. The amount of Di Bu channel water transmitted along the meridian by this acupoint is related to the flaming Heart fire: strong fire leads to weak water, and weak fire leads to strong water. Thus, this acupoint becomes the gateway for whether the Stomach Meridian's channel water exits or not, hence the name Shuimen.

3) Shuitian. Shui refers to the substance within the acupoint being Di Bu channel water. Tian refers to the substance within the acupoint being Tian Bu (Heavenly Level) channel qi. The name Shuitian implies that the substance of this acupoint contains both Tian Bu qi and Di Bu water. The substance of this acupoint is the Di Bu channel water transmitted from Renying (ST9). Receiving the heat of Heart fire flaming upward, part of the channel water vaporizes and ascends to the Tian Bu level, hence the name Shuitian.

4) Tianmen. The meaning is similar to Shuimen. The name Shuimen emphasizes the Di Bu channel water transmitted downward by the Stomach Meridian, while the name Tianmen emphasizes the Tian Bu channel qi transmitted upward by the Stomach Meridian.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance consists of Di Bu channel water and Tian Bu qi vaporized from the channel water.

Course of Movement: The Di Bu channel water moves downward along the Stomach Meridian to Qishe (ST11), while the vaporized qi ascends to the Tian Bu level of the face and head.

Functions and Actions: Cools the fiery qi flaming upward along the neck and nape and provides moist-yang qi to the Tian Bu level.

Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use tonification; for heat patterns, use sedation.

11 Qishe (ST11).

Acupoint Meaning: The channel water of the Stomach Meridian undergoes massive vaporization here and replenishes the Stomach Meridian.

Name Explanation: Qishe. Qi refers to the substance within the acupoint being Tian Bu (Heavenly Level) qi. She means source. The name Qishe implies that this acupoint is an important source of qi for the Stomach Meridian. The substance of this acupoint is the Di Bu channel water transmitted from Shuitu (ST10). Located in the lower part of the neck, it is closer to the area of Heart chamber fire flaming upward. Therefore, its liquid vaporizes more, generating greater qi, making it an important source of qi for the Stomach Meridian, hence the name Qishe.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance consists of Di Bu channel water and Tian Bu qi vaporized from the channel water.

Course of Movement: The Di Bu channel water moves downward along the Stomach Meridian, while the Tian Bu qi moves upward along the Stomach Meridian.

Functions and Actions: Cools the fiery qi flaming upward along the neck and nape and provides moist-yang qi to the Tian Bu level.

Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation.

12 Quepen (ST12).

Alternative Names: Tiangan, Chigan.

Acupoint Meaning: The Di Bu channel water of the Stomach Meridian breaks apart and scatters here, distributing to various parts of the human body.

Name Explanation: 1) Quepen. Que means broken or scattered. Pen means a vessel for holding things. The name Quepen implies that the Di Bu channel water of this acupoint breaks apart and scatters, distributing to various parts of the human body. The substance of this acupoint is the Di Bu channel water overflowing from Qishe (ST11) and the dispersed Tian Bu qi. Upon reaching this acupoint, the Di Bu channel water overflows and scatters in all directions, resembling the overflow of water poured into a broken basin, hence the name Quepen.

2) Tiangan, Chigan. Tian refers to the substance within the acupoint being qi. Chi means small. Gai means cover or shield. The names Tiangan and Chigan emphasize that there is gaseous material at the Tian Bu level of this acupoint, which acts as a shield for the Di Bu channel water of this acupoint, preventing the Di Bu channel water from vaporizing and dissipating. Here, Chi means that the range of Tian Bu qi within the acupoint is small, limited only to the Tian Bu scope of this acupoint.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is Di Bu channel water.

Course of Movement: It distributes from this acupoint to various parts of the chest.

Functions and Actions: Provides the moist-refined substances of the Stomach Meridian to the chest.

Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use pricking to bleed or tonification with moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation and release the qi from the needle.

Note: The classic states, "If there is fullness and pain in the Quepen, death ensues; if it ulcerates externally, survival is possible." This refers to the scattering function of the Quepen acupoint. If the Quepen acupoint is swollen, full, and painful, the qi and blood of the Stomach Meridian cannot be transmitted smoothly through this acupoint. Consequently, the meridian qi and blood transmitted outward from Chengqi (ST1) will accumulate upward in the head and neck due to the blockage of this acupoint, leading to death. However, if the Quepen acupoint ulcerates externally, it will not cause the blockage of meridian qi and blood in the head, hence the statement that fullness and pain in Quepen lead to death, but external ulceration allows survival.

13 Qihu (ST13).

Acupoint Meaning: The gateway for the exchange of qi and blood between the Stomach Meridian and the outside world.

Name Explanation: Qi refers to the qi and blood substance regulated by this acupoint being Tian Bu (Heavenly Level) qi. Hu originally referred to a single door,引申 (extended) to mean a passage for entry and exit. The name Qihu implies that this acupoint is the gateway for the exchange of qi and blood between the Stomach Meridian and the outside world. The substance of this acupoint is the channel water transmitted from the Di Bu level of Quepen (ST12). Because this acupoint is located closer to the area of Heart chamber fire flaming upward than the upper acupoints of the Stomach Meridian, the Di Bu channel water flowing here vaporizes more quickly and abundantly and is transmitted by the Stomach Meridian to the rest of the body. It is the gateway for the exchange of qi and blood between the Stomach Meridian and the outside world, hence the name Qihu.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance consists of a small amount of Di Bu channel water and a large amount of Tian Bu qi vaporized from the channel water.

Course of Movement: Most of the Di Bu channel water vaporizes into Tian Bu qi at this acupoint. The Tian Bu qi一方面 (on one hand) replenishes the Stomach Meridian, and on the other hand, transmits to the Tian Bu levels outside the Stomach Meridian.

Functions and Actions: Dries and transforms the dampness of the Stomach Meridian and transmits hot-yang qi to the Tian Bu level.

Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation.

14 Fangkang (ST14).

Acupoint Meaning: The refined substances of grains from the Stomach Meridian are stored here.

Name Explanation: Fangkang means a warehouse for storing goods, a building on the ground. The name Fangkang implies that the refined substances of grains within the qi and blood of the Stomach Meridian are stored here. The substance of this acupoint is the Di Bu channel water transmitted from Qihu (ST13). Due to the scattering of channel water at Quepen (ST12) and the vaporization of liquid at Qihu (ST13), the Di Bu channel water flowing to this acupoint is relatively dry. The spleen-earth particles contained in the channel water, lacking the support and transportation of water, deposit along the path of the Stomach Meridian, resembling storage in a warehouse, hence the name Fangkang.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance consists of spleen-earth particles at the Di Bu level and Tian Bu qi.

Course of Movement: Spleen-earth substances accumulate inside and outside the vicinity of the acupoint, while Tian Bu qi disperses outside the Stomach Meridian.

Functions and Actions: Stores spleen-earth particles and dries and transforms spleen-earth dampness.

Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation.

15 Wuyi (ST15).

Acupoint Meaning: The qi of the Stomach Meridian forms a gaseous barrier at the Tian Bu level here.

Name Explanation: Wu means a ground building. Yi originally referred to a canopy made of feathers or a covering object; here, it refers to the substance within the acupoint being defensive qi (Wei Qi). The name Wuyi implies that this acupoint uses the qi vaporized from the Di Bu level to provide a defensive barrier for the chest. The substance of this acupoint is the Di Bu channel water transmitted from Fangkang (ST14), which is the liquid seeping out from the spleen-earth at the Di Bu level of Fangkang. At this acupoint, it is heated by the heat transmitted from the exterior of the Heart chamber and vaporizes into qi. With a damp and turbid nature, located at the lower part of the Tian Bu, it acts as a defensive barrier for the chest, hence the name Wuyi.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is Tian Bu qi, with a damp and turbid nature.

Course of Movement: It is transported from this acupoint to various parts of the chest and sternum.

Functions and Actions: Dissipates heat in the chest and provides hot-yang qi to the chest.

Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation and release the qi from the needle, or use cool-water acupuncture.

16 Yingchuang (ST16).

Alternative Name: Yingzhong.

Acupoint Meaning: High-temperature qi from the thoracic cavity exits to the Stomach Meridian from here.

Name Explanation: Ying refers to the chest. Chuang means hole or window. The name Yingchuang implies that high-temperature qi from the thoracic cavity exits to the Stomach Meridian from here. This acupoint is located above the breast and beside the chest. There are pore channels at the Di Bu level connecting to the interior of the thoracic cavity, acting like a window for the exchange of qi and blood substances between the thoracic cavity and the body surface, hence the name Yingchuang. The name Yingzhong has the same meaning as Yingchuang; Zhong contrasts with Wai (outside), referring to the thoracic cavity.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is high-temperature gaseous material.

Course of Movement: The gaseous material moves from the interior of the thoracic cavity to the exterior body surface of the Stomach Meridian.

Functions and Actions: Reduces internal pressure in the thoracic cavity and releases internal energy of the thoracic cavity.

Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation.

17 Ruzhong (ST17).

Alternative Names: Rushou, Dangru.

Acupoint Meaning: The output site for the refined substances of milk generated from grains.

Name Explanation: Ru refers to the breast. Zhong means center or correct. Shou means head. Dang means directly facing. The names Ruzhong, Rushou, and Dangru all indicate that this acupoint marks the nipple, with no other implied meaning.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is gaseous material.

Course of Movement: Gaseous material rises from the lower part of the Tian Bu to the upper part of the Tian Bu, then liquefies and cools downward.

Functions and Actions: In men, it serves as a landmark; in women, it is used for nursing.

Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use moxibustion; for heat patterns, apply cool medicine externally; acupuncture is prohibited.

Note: Ruzhong is the place where milk exits. Milk is a liquid substance, yet the nipple is located at a high position in the human coordinate system. How can liquid substances in the human body exit from a high position? This is because human milk is transformed from essence and blood. Essence and blood have a hot nature, and their movement and transformation within the body involve a vaporization process. The vaporized qi rises from the Di Bu level to the Tian Bu level. After rising to the Tian Bu level, this qi cools and liquefies. Under the action of internal high pressure in the human system, the liquefied milk exits through the nipple (when the nipple pore is open, a pressure difference exists between the inside and outside). This is the reason why milk can exit the body surface from the qi level.

18 Rugen (ST18).

Alternative Name: Xuexi.

Acupoint Meaning: The spleen-earth substances in the Stomach Meridian stay here.

Name Explanation: 1) Rugen. Ru refers to the location of the acupoint. Gen means root. The name Rugen implies that this acupoint is the root for the development and fullness of the breast. The substance of this acupoint comes from the downward flow of qi and blood from the upper meridians of the Stomach Meridian. Due to the continuous vaporization of the channel water portion of the qi and blood substance, combined with the Heart fire transmitted externally to the body surface from Yingchuang (ST16), the qi and blood substance in this acupoint actually no longer contains Di Bu channel water but rather earth generated by fire. Because the spleen-earth particles in this acupoint are dry, hard, and solid, they support the muscle tissue (spleen-earth) in the upper part of the breast, serving as the root for the firmness of the breast muscles, hence the name Rugen.

2) Xuexi. Xuexi is a borrowed term for resting or staying. The name Xuexi implies that the spleen-earth particles in the qi and blood substance of the Stomach Meridian stay here, hence the name. The rationale is the same as that for Rugen.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance consists of spleen-earth particles and vaporized qi.

Course of Movement: Spleen-earth particles remain inside and outside the vicinity of the acupoint, while vaporized qi disperses along the Stomach Meridian.

Functions and Actions: Dries and transforms spleen dampness.

Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation.

Note: Fangkang (ST14) and Rugen (ST18) are two important acupoints for regulating breast muscles. If breast flattening, smallness, or sagging is caused solely by insufficient Stomach qi, selecting these two acupoints for breast augmentation treatment yields remarkable effects.

19 Burong (ST19).

Acupoint Meaning: The Di Bu channel water of the Stomach Meridian passes through here.

Name Explanation: Burong means that this acupoint does not accommodate the qi and blood substances of the Stomach Meridian. This acupoint is located below the breast. The qi and blood it receives are the seeping liquids from the spleen-earth in the upper region of the Stomach Meridian. Upon reaching this acupoint, due to the lack of external heat to cause vaporization and transformation, its movement is simply a straightforward downward transmission along the meridian, hence the name Burong.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is Di Bu channel water.

Course of Movement: It transmits downward along the Stomach Meridian to Chengman (ST20).

Functions and Actions: Transmits the Di Bu channel water of the Stomach Meridian.

Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use pricking to bleed; for heat patterns, use sedation and release the qi from the needle.

20 Chengman (ST20).

Acupoint Meaning: The channel water of the Stomach Meridian overflows here.

Name Explanation: Cheng means to receive. Man means full or abundant. The name Chengman implies that the Di Bu channel water of the Stomach Meridian flows in a state of fullness here. The substance of this acupoint is the Di Bu channel water transmitted from Burong (ST19). Because this acupoint is located in a depression of abdominal flesh, the Di Bu channel water accumulates here. Additionally, because the depression is shallow, the channel water fills up immediately upon entering, hence the name Chengman.

Qi and Blood Characteristics: The qi and blood substance is Di Bu channel water.

Course of Movement: It transmits downward along the Stomach Meridian to Liangmen (ST21).

Functions and Actions: Stores the Di Bu channel water of the Stomach Meridian in the abdomen.

Treatment Methods: For cold patterns, use pricking to bleed or moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation and release the qi from the needle.

21 Liangmen (ST21).

Acupoint Meaning: The Di Bu channel water of the Stomach Meridian is constrained here.