2)曲牙。曲，隐秘之意。牙，肾所主之骨也，指穴内物质为水。曲牙名意指本穴上传头部的气态物中富含水湿。本穴物质为大迎穴传来的水湿气态物，水湿浓度较大，如隐秘之水一般，故名曲牙。
3)机关。机，巧也。关，关卡也。机关名意指本穴有关卡大迎穴传来的地部经水的作用。本穴因位处上部，大迎外传的地部经水部分因地球重力场的原因自然被关卡在本穴之外，关卡的方式十分巧妙，故名机关。
4)鬼床。鬼，与神相对，指穴内物质为地部经水。床，承物之器也。鬼床名意指穴内经水被它物承托而行。本穴物质为大迎穴传来的水湿气态物，其运行是循胃经上行下关穴，气态物中水湿浓度较大，如同载水上行一般，故名鬼床。
5）牙车。牙，肾所主之骨也，指穴内物质为水。车，运载工具也。牙车名意指本穴有运送胃经经水上头的功能。理同曲牙之解。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻之。
7下关
名解：下，指本穴调节的气血物质为属阴、属下的浊重水湿。关，关卡。下关名意指本穴对胃经上输头部的气血物质中阴浊部分有关卡作用。本穴物质为颊车穴传来的天部水湿之气，上行至本穴后，水湿之气中的浊重部分冷降归地，本穴如有对上输头部的气血精微严格把关的作用，故名下关。
运行规律：滞重的水湿部分由天部沉降至地部，轻质的阳气循经上传头维穴。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻针出气。
8头维足少阳阳明阳维之会。
别名：颡大。
名解：1）头维。头，穴所在部位，亦指穴内物质所调节的人体部位为头。维，维持、维系之意。头维名意指本穴的气血物质有维持头部正常秩序的作用。头部为诸阳之会，它要靠各条经脉不断地输送阳气及营养物质才能维持它的正常运行。胃经属多气多血之经，在输送头部的阳气当中占有一定比例，对头部各项功能的正常运转起着重要作用，而胃经气血传之于头又是靠本穴传输，故本穴名为头维。
2)颡大。颡，额头。大，多也，指穴内的气血盛大之意。胃经属阳明，多气多血之经，与其它经脉相比，胃经输送头部的气血物质要多，而本穴又为胃经气血上供头部的出口，其转运的气血物质也多，故名为颡大。
3)足少阳阳明阳维之会。本穴为胃经向头部输送气血之处，因其输送气血的量大且强，运行为风行之状，性同胆经气血，故为足少阳阳明之会。又因本穴输送头部的为纯阳之气，性同阳维脉气血，故为足阳明阳维之会。
运行规律：阳气以风行之状由本穴分散于头之各部。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻之。
9人迎
别名：天五会，五会。
名解：1）人迎。人，民众也，指胸腹部。迎，迎受也。人迎名意指胃经气血由本穴向胸腹以下的身体部位传输。本穴物质为地仓穴分流传来的地部经水，其传输部位是头部以下的胸腹手足。与大迎穴传送上头的气血相比，头部为君，其所受气血为大、为遵，胸腹手足部则为民，气血物质的配送方式不同，故本穴名为人迎。
2)天五会、五会。天，指本穴所在部位在天。五会，指本穴的气血物质由胃所受的五谷杂粮精微物质所化，穴内气血包含人体五脏六腑等各个部位所需的各种营养物质，故名。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻之。
10水突
别名：水门，水天，天门。
名解：1）水突。水，指穴内的物质为地部水液。突，突破也。水突名意指胃经的地部经水受心火上炎之热大量气化。本穴物质为人迎穴传来的地部经水，位处颈部，受心火上炎之热经水大量气化，如同釜中之水受热时的翻滚上突之状，故名水突。
2)水门。水，指穴内物质为水。门，出入之处，开阖的机关也。水门名意指本穴为经水出入的门户。本穴物质为人迎穴传来的地部经水，因本穴位处颈部，是心火上炎于头面的路径之处，而本穴循经传输的地部经水多少则与上炎的心火有关，火强则水弱，火弱则水强，本穴成了胃经经水出与不出的门户，故名水门。
3)水天。水，指穴内物质为地部经水。天，指穴内物质为天部经气。水天名意指本穴物质既有天部之气又有地部之水。本穴物质为人迎穴传来的地部经水，受心火上炎之热，经水部分气化上行于天，故名水天。
4)天门。名意与水门近同，水门名意强调胃经向下传输的地部经水，天门名意强调胃经向上传输的天部经气。
运行规律：地部经水循胃经下行气舍穴，气化之气则上行头面天部。
治法：寒则补之，热则泻之。
11气舍
名解：气舍。气，指穴内物质为天部之气。舍，来源之意。气舍名意指本穴为胃经经气的重要来源。本穴物质为水突穴传来的地部经水，位处颈之下部，由于其更近心室火炎之区，故其水液气化更多，所生气亦更大，为胃经之气和重要来源，故名气舍。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻之。
12缺盆
别名：天盖，尺盖。
名解：1）缺盆。缺，破散也。盆，受盛之器也。缺盆名意指本穴的地部经水溃缺破散并输布人体各部。本穴物质为气舍穴外溢而来的地部经水及外散的天部之气，至本穴后，地部经水满溢外散输布四方，如水注缺破之盆的溢流之状，故名缺盆。
2)天盖、尺盖。天，指穴内物质为气。尺，小也。盖，封盖、护盖也。天盖、尺盖名意旨在强调本穴的天部层次存在气态物，对本穴的地部经水起着护盖作用，不使地部经水气化散失。尺，在此意为穴内的天部之气范围较小，仅局限于本穴的天部范围。
运行规律：由本穴分流胸之各部。
治法：寒则点刺出血或补之灸之，热则泻针出气
注：经言缺盆中满痛者死，外溃不死，此即指缺盆穴的缺散功能。如果缺盆穴肿胀满痛，胃经气血不能经此穴顺利传输，则承泣穴外输的经脉气血就会因本穴的闭塞而上积于头颈部使人致死，但缺盆穴外溃后则不会造成经脉气血阻塞于头，故言缺盆中满痛者死，外溃不死。
13气户
名解：气，指本穴调节的气血物质为天部之气。户，古指单扇门，引伸为出入的通道。气户名意指本穴为胃经气血与外界交换的门户。本穴物质为缺盆穴地部传来的经水，因本穴位置较胃经上部诸穴更近心室火炎之区，流至的地部经水会更多更快的气化并由胃经传至身体其余各部，是胃经与外界气血交换的门户，故名气户。
气血特征：气血物质为少量的地部经水和经水气化的大量天部之气。
运行规律：地部经水在本穴大部分气化为天部之气，天部之气一方面充补胃经，一方面传向胃经以外的天部层次。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻之。
14库房
名解：库房，储物之仓也，地面建筑之物也。库房名意指胃经气血中的五谷精微物质在此屯库。本穴物质为气户穴传来的地部经水，因胃经经水有缺盆穴的溃散、气户穴的水液气化，流至本穴的地部经水较为干枯，经水中所含的脾土微粒则因无水的承载运化而沉积于胃经所过之处，如在库房存积一般，故名库房。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻之。
15屋翳
名解：屋，地面建筑也。翳，古指用羽毛做的华盖或遮蔽之物，此指穴内物质为卫外之气。屋翳名意指本穴有地部气化之气为胸部提供卫外摒障。本穴物质为库房穴传来的地部经水，乃库房穴地部脾土外渗之液，在本穴处受心室外传之热而气化为气，性湿浊，所处为天之下部，如胸部的卫外摒障，故名屋翳。
运行规律：由本穴输向胸膺各部。
功能作用：散化胸部之热，为胸部提供阳热之气。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻针出气或凉药水针。
16膺窗
别名：膺中。
穴义：胸腔内的高温之气由此外出胃经。
名解：膺，胸也。窗，空孔也。膺窗名意指胸腔内的高温之气由此外出胃经。本穴位处乳之上、胸之旁，地部有孔隙通道与胸腔内部相通，如胸腔与体表间气血物质交流的一个窗口，故名膺窗。膺中名意与膺窗义同，中与外相对，指胸腔。
运行规律：气态物由胸腔内部外出体表胃经。
功能作用：减卸胸腔内部高压，释放胸腔内部能量。
治法：寒则补之灸之，热则泻之。
17乳中
别名：乳首，当乳。
穴义：五谷生化的乳汁精微输出之所。
名解：乳，乳房也。中，正也。首，头也。当，正对也。乳中、乳首、当乳名意皆指本穴为乳头标志，无它意。
运行规律：气态物质由天之下部上升至天之上部后液化冷降。
功能作用：男子为定位标志，女子为喂乳之用。
治法：寒则灸之，热则凉药敷之，无针。
注：乳中为乳汁外出之处，乳汁为液态物，而乳头在人体坐标系中位处高位，何以人体的液态物能从高位而出？这是因为人之乳汁为精血所化，精血性热，在体内的运动变化是气化过程，气化之气由地部升至天部，此气上升天部后又冷却液化，液化之乳则在人体系统的内部高压作用下外出乳头（乳孔在张开的情况下致使内外存在压差），此即是乳汁能从属气的层次外出体表的原因。
18乳根
别名：薛息。
名解：1）乳根。乳，穴所在部位也。根，本也。乳根名意指本穴为乳房发育充实的根本。本穴物质为胃经上部经脉气血下行而来，由于气血物质中的经水部分不断气化，加之膺窗穴外传体表的心部之火，因此，本穴中的气血物质实际上已无地部经水，而是火生之土。由于本穴中的脾土微粒干硬结实，对乳上部的肌肉物质（脾土）有承托作用，是乳部肌肉承固的根本，故名乳根。
2)薛息。薛息，歇息之假用也，亦为停驻之意。薛息名意指胃经气血物质中的脾土微粒在此停驻，故名。理同乳根之解。
功能作用：燥化脾湿。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻之。
注：库房与乳根为调节乳肌的二个重要穴道，若单纯为胃气不足所致的乳房扁平细小或乳房下坠，取此二穴作隆胸治疗有奇效。
19不容
名解：不容，胃经的气血物质本穴不为容纳也。本穴位处乳之下部，所受气血乃胃经上部区域脾土中的外渗水液，至本穴后因无外界之热使其气化转变，其运行只是单纯的循经下传，故名不容。
治法：寒则点刺出血，热则泻针出气。
20承满
名解：承，受也。满，满盛也。承满名意指胃经的地部经水在此满溢而行。本穴物质为不容穴传来的地部经水，因本穴所处为腹部肉之陷，故而地部经水为屯积之状，又因本穴肉陷也浅，经水一注即满，故名承满。
治法：寒则点刺出血或灸之，热则泻针出气。
21梁门
2) 曲牙（Quya, ST7）。曲，意为隐秘。牙，指由肾所主的骨骼，此处指穴位内的物质为水。曲牙的名称意指本穴上传至头部的气态物质中富含水湿之气。本穴的物质来源于大迎穴传来的水湿气态物，其水湿浓度较高，如同隐秘之水一般，因此得名曲牙。
3) 机关（Jiguan, ST8）。机，意为巧妙。关，意为关卡。机关的名称意指本穴对来自大迎穴的地部经水起到关卡的作用。由于本穴位于上部，来自大迎穴的地部经水部分因地球重力场的原因自然被关卡在本穴之外，这种关卡的方式十分巧妙，因此得名机关。
4) 鬼床（Guichuang, ST9）。鬼，与神相对，此处指穴位内的物质为地部经水。床，意为承载物体的器具。鬼床的名称意指穴位内的经水被其他物体承托而行。本穴的物质是大迎穴传来的水湿气态物，其运行路径是沿胃经上行至下关穴，气态物中的水湿浓度较大，如同载水上行一般，因此得名鬼床。
5）牙车（Yache, ST10）。牙，指由肾所主的骨骼，此处指穴位内的物质为水。车，意为运载工具。牙车的名称意指本穴具有运送胃经经水上行至头部的功能。其原理同曲牙穴的解释。
7 下关（Xiaguan, ST7）。
名解：下，指本穴调节的气血物质为属阴、属下的浊重水湿。关，意为关卡。下关的名称意指本穴对胃经上输至头部的气血物质中的阴浊部分有关卡作用。本穴的物质为颊车穴传来的天部水湿之气，上行至本穴后，水湿之气中的浊重部分冷却沉降归入地部，本穴犹如对上输头部的气血精微严格把关，因此名为下关。
运行规律：滞重的水湿部分从天部沉降至地部，轻质的阳气沿经脉上传至头维穴。
8 头维（Touwei, ST8）。足少阳胆经、足阳明胃经及阳维脉的交会穴。
别名：颡大（Sangda）。
名解：1）头维。头，指穴位所在的部位，也指穴位内物质所调节的人体部位为头部。维，意为维持、维系。头维的名称意指本穴的气血物质有维持头部正常秩序的作用。头部为诸阳之会，依靠各条经脉不断输送阳气及营养物质才能维持其正常运行。胃经属于多气多血的经脉，在输送头部的阳气中占有一定比例，对头部各项功能的正常运转起着重要作用，而胃经气血传之于头部又是靠本穴传输，因此本穴名为头维。
2) 颡大。颡，指额头。大，意为多，指穴位内的气血盛大之意。胃经属阳明经，是多气多血的经脉，与其他经脉相比，胃经输送头部的气血物质较多，而本穴又是胃经气血上供头部的出口，其转运的气血物质也多，因此名为颡大。
3) 足少阳阳明阳维之会。本穴是胃经向头部输送气血之处，因其输送气血量大且强劲，运行状态如风行一般，性质同于胆经气血，故为足少阳胆经与足阳明胃经的交会穴。又因本穴输送至头部的是纯阳之气，性质同于阳维脉气血，故为足阳明胃经与阳维脉的交会穴。
运行规律：阳气以风行之状由本穴分散于头部的各个部位。
9 人迎（Renying, ST9）。
别名：天五会（Tianwu Hui），五会（Wu Hui）。
名解：1）人迎。人，指民众，此处指胸腹部。迎，意为迎受。人迎的名称意指胃经气血由本穴向胸腹以下的身体部位传输。本穴的物质为地仓穴分流传来的地部经水，其传输部位是头部以下的胸腹手足。与大迎穴传送上头的气血相比，头部为君，其所受气血为大、为尊贵，胸腹手足部则为民，气血物质的配送方式不同，因此本穴名为人迎。
2) 天五会、五会。天，指本穴所在部位在天部。五会，指本穴的气血物质由胃所受的五谷杂粮精微物质所化，穴内气血包含人体五脏六腑等各个部位所需的各种营养物质，因此得名。
10 水突（Shuitu, ST10）。
别名：水门（Shuimen），水天（Shuitian），天门（Tianmen）。
名解：1）水突。水，指穴位内的物质为地部水液。突，意为突破。水突的名称意指胃经的地部经水受心火上炎之热大量气化。本穴的物质为人迎穴传来的地部经水，位处颈部，受心火上炎之热，经水大量气化，如同釜中之水受热时的翻滚上突之状，因此得名水突。
2) 水门。水，指穴位内的物质为水。门，意为出入之处，开阖的机关。水门的名称意指本穴为经水出入的门户。本穴的物质为人迎穴传来的地部经水，因本穴位处颈部，是心火上炎于头面的路径之处，而本穴循经传输的地部经水多少则与上炎的心火有关，火强则水弱，火弱则水强，本穴成了胃经经水出与不出的门户，因此得名水门。
3) 水天。水，指穴位内的物质为地部经水。天，指穴位内的物质为天部经气。水天的名称意指本穴物质既有天部之气又有地部之水。本穴的物质为人迎穴传来的地部经水，受心火上炎之热，经水部分气化上行于天部，因此得名水天。
4) 天门。名称意义与水门相近，水门名称意强调胃经向下传输的地部经水，天门名称意强调胃经向上传输的天部经气。
运行规律：地部经水循胃经下行至气舍穴，气化之气则上行至头面天部。
11 气舍（Qishe, ST11）。
名解：气舍。气，指穴位内的物质为天部之气。舍，意为来源。气舍的名称意指本穴为胃经经气的重要来源。本穴的物质为水突穴传来的地部经水，位处颈之下部，由于其更近心室火炎之区，故其水液气化更多，所生气亦更大，为胃经之气的重要来源，因此名气舍。
12 缺盆（Quepen, ST12）。
别名：天盖（Tiangan），尺盖（Chigan）。
名解：1）缺盆。缺，意为破散。盆，意为受盛之器。缺盆的名称意指本穴的地部经水溃缺破散并输布人体各部。本穴的物质为气舍穴外溢而来的地部经水及外散的天部之气，至本穴后，地部经水满溢外散输布四方，如水注缺破之盆的溢流之状，因此得名缺盆。
2) 天盖、尺盖。天，指穴位内的物质为气。尺，意为小。盖，意为封盖、护盖。天盖、尺盖的名称意旨在强调本穴的天部层次存在气态物，对本穴的地部经水起着护盖作用，不使地部经水气化散失。尺，在此意为穴位内的天部之气范围较小，仅局限于本穴的天部范围。
运行规律：由本穴分流至胸部的各个部位。
治法：寒证用点刺出血或补法并施以艾灸，热证用泻法并放出针内之气。
注：经文说“缺盆中满痛者死，外溃不死”，此即指缺盆穴的缺散功能。如果缺盆穴肿胀满痛，胃经气血不能经此穴顺利传输，则承泣穴外输的经脉气血就会因本穴的闭塞而上积于头颈部使人致死，但缺盆穴外溃后则不会造成经脉气血阻塞于头部，故言缺盆中满痛者死，外溃不死。
13 气户（Qihu, ST13）。
名解：气，指本穴调节的气血物质为天部之气。户，古指单扇门，引申为出入的通道。气户的名称意指本穴为胃经气血与外界交换的门户。本穴的物质为缺盆穴地部传来的经水，因本穴位置较胃经上部诸穴更近心室火炎之区，流至的地部经水会更多更快地气化并由胃经传至身体其余各部，是胃经与外界气血交换的门户，因此名气户。
气血特征：气血物质为少量的地部经水和经水气化的大量天部之气。
运行规律：地部经水在本穴大部分气化为天部之气，天部之气一方面充补胃经，一方面传向胃经以外的天部层次。
14 库房（Fangkang, ST14）。
名解：库房，储物之仓也，地面建筑之物也。库房的名称意指胃经气血中的五谷精微物质在此屯库。本穴的物质为气户穴传来的地部经水，因胃经经水有缺盆穴的溃散、气户穴的水液气化，流至本穴的地部经水较为干枯，经水中所含的脾土微粒则因无水的承载运化而沉积于胃经所过之处，如在库房存积一般，因此得名库房。
15 屋翳（Wuyi, ST15）。
名解：屋，地面建筑也。翳，古指用羽毛做的华盖或遮蔽之物，此处指穴位内的物质为卫外之气。屋翳的名称意指本穴有地部气化之气为胸部提供卫外屏障。本穴的物质为库房穴传来的地部经水，乃库房穴地部脾土外渗之液，在本穴处受心室外传之热而气化为气，性质湿浊，所处为天之下部，如胸部的卫外屏障，因此得名屋翳。
运行规律：由本穴输向胸膺各部。
功能作用：散化胸部之热，为胸部提供阳热之气。
治法：寒证用补法并施以艾灸，热证用泻法并放出针内之气或用凉药水针。
16 膺窗（Yingchuang, ST16）。
别名：膺中（Yingzhong）。
穴义：胸腔内的高温之气由此外出至胃经。
名解：膺，指胸。窗，空孔也。膺窗的名称意指胸腔内的高温之气由此外出至胃经。本穴位处乳之上、胸之旁，地部有孔隙通道与胸腔内部相通，如胸腔与体表间气血物质交流的一个窗口，因此得名膺窗。膺中名称意与膺窗义同，中与外相对，指胸腔。
运行规律：气态物由胸腔内部外出至体表胃经。
功能作用：减卸胸腔内部高压，释放胸腔内部能量。
17 乳中（Ruzhong, ST17）。
别名：乳首（Rushou），当乳（Dangru）。
穴义：五谷生化的乳汁精微输出之所。
名解：乳，乳房也。中，正也。首，头也。当，正对也。乳中、乳首、当乳名称意皆指本穴为乳头标志，无它意。
运行规律：气态物质由天之下部上升至天之上部后液化冷降。
功能作用：男子为定位标志，女子为喂乳之用。
治法：寒证用灸法，热证用凉药敷之，禁针。
注：乳中为乳汁外出之处，乳汁为液态物，而乳头在人体坐标系中位处高位，何以人体的液态物能从高位而出？这是因为人之乳汁为精血所化，精血性热，在体内的运动变化是气化过程，气化之气由地部升至天部，此气上升天部后又冷却液化，液化之乳则在人体系统的内部高压作用下外出乳头（乳孔在张开的情况下致使内外存在压差），此即是乳汁能从属气的层次外出体表的原因。
18 乳根（Rugen, ST18）。
别名：薛息（Xuexi）。
名解：1）乳根。乳，穴位所在部位也。根，本也。乳根的名称意指本穴为乳房发育充实的根本。本穴物质为胃经上部经脉气血下行而来，由于气血物质中的经水部分不断气化，加之膺窗穴外传体表的心部之火，因此，本穴中的气血物质实际上已无地部经水，而是火生之土。由于本穴中的脾土微粒干硬结实，对乳上部的肌肉物质（脾土）有承托作用，是乳部肌肉承固的根本，因此得名乳根。
2) 薛息。薛息，歇息之假用也，亦为停驻之意。薛息的名称意指胃经气血物质中的脾土微粒在此停驻，因此得名。原理同乳根穴的解释。
功能作用：燥化脾湿。
注：库房与乳根为调节乳肌的两个重要穴道，若单纯为胃气不足所致的乳房扁平细小或乳房下坠，取此二穴作隆胸治疗有奇效。
19 不容（Burong, ST19）。
名解：不容，胃经的气血物质本穴不为容纳也。本穴位处乳之下部，所受气血乃胃经上部区域脾土中的外渗水液，至本穴后因无外界之热使其气化转变，其运行只是单纯的循经下传，因此得名不容。
20 承满（Chengman, ST20）。
名解：承，受也。满，满盛也。承满的名称意指胃经的地部经水在此满溢而行。本穴物质为不容穴传来的地部经水，因本穴所处为腹部肉之陷，故而地部经水为屯积之状，又因本穴肉陷也浅，经水一注即满，因此得名承满。
21 梁门（Liangmen, ST21）。
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.