Qichong Point (ST-30 / Qi Thoroughfare, also known as Qijie / Qi Street)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Qichong (ST-30 / Qi Thoroughfare). Learn its benefits for borborygmus, abdominal pain, hernia, impotence, and menstrual disorders, plus classic combinations for reproductive health.
Indications
Borborygmus (hyperactive bowel sounds), abdominal pain, hernia, impotence, irregular menstruation, and infertility.
Precise Location
Just above the inguinal region, on the inner side of the groin, approximately 5 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. A pulsating artery (femoral artery) can be felt below this point.
Location Method
Lie supine. Bring the five fingers of the right hand together with the fingertips pointing to the left, place the thumb on the umbilicus, and locate the position at the lower edge of the little finger below the umbilicus. Using this as the base point, bring the three middle fingers of the right hand together with the fingertips pointing downward, place the index finger at this base point – the point is where the ring finger rests.
Massage Method
Rub and press with the index finger pad for 1–3 minutes each morning and evening. Therapeutic actions: Regulates blood and soothes the meridians, regulates qi and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Borborygmus (intestinal gurgling): Combine with Zusanli (ST-36), Qihai (RN-6), and Qichong (ST-30). Disease overview: Gurgling sounds in the stomach and intestines may indicate water retention in the stomach; hunger-like gurgling that improves with warmth and food but worsens with cold indicates middle qi deficiency and cold deficiency of the stomach and intestines; thunder-like borborygmus with abdominal distension and diarrhea indicates invasion of wind-cold-damp pathogens; mild gurgling with abdominal distension and poor appetite indicates qi deficiency with weakened transport function. Massage sequence: Press Zusanli with the thumb or middle finger for about 5 minutes until a needling-like sore and warm sensation is felt; then massage Qihai for 3 minutes; finally massage Qichong for 3 minutes. Hernia: Combine with Ququan (LR-8), Taichong (LR-3), and Qichong (ST-30). Impotence: Combine with Yongquan (KI-1) and Qichong (ST-30).
Efficacy & Actions
The Suwen · Wei Lun states: "The Chong Vessel is the sea of the meridians; it permeates and irrigates the valleys and streams, and meets the Yangming at the Zongjin (tendons). The Yin and Yang vessels all meet at the Zongjin and converge at Qijie, with Yangming as the leader..." This means that the Chong Vessel is the source of all meridians and converges at Qijie, which is Qichong. This point effectively treats abdominal pain and regulates and improves symptoms such as irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea in women. This point belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian and is the meeting point of the Chong Vessel and the Stomach Meridian. It regulates blood and soothes the meridians, regulates qi and relieves pain. It is a commonly used point for treating reproductive system and abdominal disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Jingmai. "Qi" refers to meridian qi; "Chong" means thoroughfare or main road. This point is a vital passage for qi and blood circulation – hence the name Qichong (Qi Thoroughfare). It is also known as "Qijie" (Qi Street), where "Jie" means street or pathway, indicating the route through which qi and blood travel.
Contraindications
As this point is located at the femoral artery pulsation, manipulation should be gentle without heavy pressure. Needling should avoid the femoral artery.
