Huangshu Point (KI-16 / Membrane Shu)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Huangshu (KI-16 / Membrane Shu). Learn its benefits for gastric spasm, habitual constipation, enteritis, and abdominal pain – the meeting point of Kidney and Chong – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Gastric spasm, habitual constipation, enteritis, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, diarrhea, and dysentery.
Precise Location
Located on the Kidney Meridian, in the middle abdomen, 0.5 cun lateral to the center of the umbilicus.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. With both palms facing downward, press vertically beside the umbilicus with the middle fingertips – that is the point.
Massage Method
Take a deep breath to retract the abdomen, then knead with the middle fingertips with moderate pressure until a warm, sore sensation is felt. Apply to both sides simultaneously or separately for 1–3 minutes each morning and evening. Therapeutic actions: Regulates qi and relieves pain, moistens the intestines and promotes defecation, regulates the intestines and guides stagnation.
Compatibility
Dysentery: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Zusanli (ST-36). Disease overview: Characterized by fever, abdominal pain, tenesmus, and bloody purulent stools. Fulminant cases with sudden high fever, unconsciousness, and convulsions are classified as toxic dysentery. It begins with abdominal pain followed by frequent bowel movements (several to dozens per day). Massage sequence: Sit upright or lie supine – take a deep breath to retract the abdomen, knead Huangshu with moderate pressure for about 3 minutes until a warm, sore sensation is felt; then massage Tianshu in the same way for 3 minutes; finally scrape and press Zusanli 20 times. Stomach pain (gastric spasm): Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12), Tianshu (ST-25), Zusanli (ST-36), and Neiting (ST-44). Abdominal pain: Combine with Dachangshu (BL-25). Urethritis: Combine with Fuliu (KI-7) and Taixi (KI-3).
Efficacy & Actions
The ancient text Zhenjiu Tongren records that Huangshu treats "cold hernia of the abdomen, dry stool, and cutting abdominal pain." When the abdomen is chilled, pain may strike like a knife – and constipation makes it even worse, straining to pass stool. In such cases, taking a deep breath while massaging Huangshu can help improve the condition. This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and is the meeting point of the Kidney Meridian and the Chong Vessel. It regulates qi and relieves pain, moistens the intestines and promotes defecation, and regulates the intestines and guides stagnation. It is a commonly used key point for treating abdominal and intestinal disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Huang" refers to the membrane or the gaohuang region; "Shu" means point of transport. Located beside the umbilicus, this point is where Kidney Meridian qi is transported to the membrane region – hence the name Huangshu (Membrane Shu).
