Shangwan Point (RN-13 / Upper Stomach Cavity, also known as Shangguan, Weiguan)
Discover the exact location and acupressure/moxibustion method for Shangwan (RN-13 / Upper Stomach Cavity). Learn its benefits for stomach pain, vomiting, poor appetite, and dysentery – the meeting point of Ren, Stomach, and Small Intestine – plus classic combinations for digestive health.
Indications
Stomach pain, vomiting, hiccups, poor appetite, dysentery, abdominal distension, acid regurgitation, and cough with excessive phlegm.
Precise Location
In the upper abdomen, 5 cun above the umbilicus, on the anterior midline.
Location Method
Lie supine. On the anterior midline, locate 1 finger-width (approximately 1 cun) above Zhongwan (RN-12, 4 cun above the umbilicus) – that is the point.
Massage Method
Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Shangwan with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat abdominal distension, poor appetite, and diarrhea. Therapeutic actions: Harmonizes the stomach and descends rebellious qi, promotes digestion and guides stagnation, regulates qi and relieves pain, and strengthens the spleen and transforms phlegm.
Compatibility
Abdominal distension and diarrhea: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Zhongwan (RN-12). Stomach pain: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Zusanli (ST-36). Hiccups and vomiting: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Zhongwan (RN-12). Poor appetite and acid regurgitation: Combine with Pishu (BL-20) and Weishu (BL-21). Dysentery: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25) and Shangjuxu (ST-37). Cough with excessive phlegm: Combine with Feishu (BL-13) and Fenglong (ST-40).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) and is the meeting point of the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, and the Ren Mai. It harmonizes the stomach and descends rebellious qi, promotes digestion and guides stagnation, regulates qi and relieves pain, and strengthens the spleen and transforms phlegm. It is a commonly used key point for treating digestive system disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Shang" means upper; "Wan" refers to the stomach cavity. Located in the upper part of the stomach region – hence the name Shangwan (Upper Stomach Cavity). It is also known as "Shangguan" and "Weiguan."
