Weishu Point (BL-21 / Stomach Shu, Back Transporting Point of the Stomach)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Weishu (BL-21 / Stomach Shu). Learn its benefits for stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, and infantile malnutrition – the Back Transporting Point of the Stomach – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Epigastric pain (stomach pain), nausea and vomiting, borborygmus (intestinal gurgling), diarrhea, dysentery, and infantile malnutrition (digestive disorders in children).
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra, 1.5 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. First locate the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra, count down 12 vertebrae to the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra – the point is 2 finger-widths (approximately 1.5 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 Weishu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat various spleen-stomach disorders. Therapeutic actions: Harmonizes the stomach and strengthens the spleen, regulates the middle and descends rebellious qi, promotes digestion and resolves food stagnation.
Compatibility
Stomach pain: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Liangqiu (ST-34). Nausea and vomiting: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Zusanli (ST-36). Borborygmus and diarrhea: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Shangjuxu (ST-37). Dysentery: Combine with Pishu (BL-20), Tianshu (ST-25), and Zusanli (ST-36). Infantile malnutrition: Combine with Sifeng (EX-UE10), Zusanli (ST-36), and Pishu (BL-20).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian and is the Back Transporting Point where stomach qi is transported to the back. It harmonizes the stomach and strengthens the spleen, regulates the middle and descends rebellious qi, promotes digestion and resolves food stagnation. It is a key point for treating gastrointestinal and digestive system disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Beishu. "Wei" refers to the Stomach; "Shu" means point of transport. This point is where Stomach Meridian qi is transported to the back – an important point for treating stomach disorders – hence the name Weishu (Stomach Shu).
