Weicang Point (BL-50 / Stomach Granary)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Weicang (BL-50 / Stomach Granary). Learn its benefits for stomach pain, infantile indigestion, abdominal distension, and edema – the storehouse of stomach qi – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Stomach pain, infantile food stagnation (indigestion), abdominal distension, edema, back pain, poor appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Location Method
At the level where the umbilicus line intersects with the spine (approximately the 2nd lumbar vertebra), count 2 vertebrae upward to the 12th thoracic vertebra – the point is 4 finger-widths (approximately 3 cun) lateral to the lower edge of this spinous process.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Weicang with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat stomach pain, abdominal distension, and infantile food stagnation. Therapeutic actions: Harmonizes the stomach and strengthens the spleen, promotes digestion and removes stagnation, regulates qi and relieves pain, promotes diuresis and reduces edema.
Compatibility
Stomach pain: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12), Zusanli (ST-36), and Liangqiu (ST-34). Infantile food stagnation and abdominal distension: Combine with Sifeng (EX-UE10), Tianshu (ST-25), and Pishu (BL-20). Vomiting: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Zhongwan (RN-12). Diarrhea: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Shangjuxu (ST-37). Edema: Combine with Yinlingquan (SP-9), Shuifen (RN-9), and Sanjiaoshu (BL-22). Back pain: Combine with Dazhu (BL-11) and Weizhong (BL-40).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is where stomach qi converges and is stored. It harmonizes the stomach and strengthens the spleen, promotes digestion and removes stagnation, regulates qi and relieves pain, promotes diuresis and reduces edema. It is a commonly used key point for treating stomach and digestive system disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Wei" refers to the Stomach; "Cang" means granary or storehouse. Located on the back, this point is where stomach qi is stored – hence the name Weicang (Stomach Granary).
Contraindications
Located on the back, needling should not be too deep – generally oblique needling at 0.5–0.8 cun to avoid injury to internal organs. Moxibustion is permissible. For infant massage, manipulation should be gentle.
