Shangqu Point (KI-17 / Shang Tune)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Shangqu (KI-17 / Shang Tune). Learn its benefits for abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, and dysentery – the meeting point of Kidney and Chong – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal distension, and poor appetite.
Precise Location
In the upper abdomen, 2 cun above the umbilicus, 0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Location Method
Bring the index, middle, and ring fingers together with the palm facing inward, place the ring finger on the umbilicus – the point is where the index finger rests.
Massage Method
Cross the index fingers over the middle fingers and gently knead Shangqu in a clockwise direction – once each morning and evening for 1–3 minutes. Therapeutic actions: Strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, resolves food stagnation and relieves pain, regulates the intestines and guides stagnation.
Compatibility
Bacillary dysentery: Combine with Shangjuxu (ST-37), Quchi (LI-11), and Shangqu (KI-17). Disease overview: Bacillary dysentery is an intestinal infectious disease caused by Shigella bacteria. Clinical manifestations include chills, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea, tenesmus, and mucopurulent bloody stools. Toxic dysentery has sudden onset with high fever, repeated convulsions, lethargy, coma, and rapid circulatory and respiratory failure – a critical condition. Massage sequence: Locate Shangjuxu (6 cun below Dubi, one middle finger-width lateral to the anterior tibial border) – push massage 20 times; then massage Quchi for 3 minutes; finally massage Shangqu for 3 minutes. Constipation: Combine with Zhigou (TE-6), Daheng (SP-15), and Shangqu (KI-17). Abdominal distension: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12), Shangqu (KI-17), and Daheng (SP-15).
Efficacy & Actions
Have you ever experienced the pain of constipation? Constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements and dry, hard stools that are difficult to pass. Over time, it can cause abdominal distension, abdominal pain, poor appetite, and restless sleep. In severe cases, it may lead to hemorrhoids, hematochezia, and anal fissures. In such situations, massaging Shangqu can help relieve the discomfort. This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and is the meeting point of the Kidney Meridian and the Chong Vessel. It strengthens the spleen and harmonizes the stomach, resolves food stagnation and relieves pain, and regulates the intestines and guides stagnation. It is a commonly used key point for treating digestive system and abdominal disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Shang" is one of the five ancient musical tones, corresponding to Metal; "Qu" means to bend or curve. Located in the upper abdomen, this point is where Kidney Meridian qi bends – hence the name Shangqu (Shang Tune).
