Tianshu Point (ST-25 / Heavenly Pivot, also known as Changxi, Changgu, Gumen, Xunji, Large Intestine Mu)
Ascends the clear and descends the turbid, dredges the intestines and harmonizes the stomach, regulates qi and resolves stagnation. Based on its properties, it is clinically used for intestinal and abdominal disorders.
Indications
Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, deficiency and weakness, debility, mouth ulcers, irregular menstruation, abdominal distension with borborygmus, and dysentery with red and white discharge. (1) Gastrointestinal disorders: Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, borborygmus, intestinal obstruction, dysentery, appendicitis, vomiting, belching, hiccups, indigestion, stomach pain. (2) Gynecological disorders: Irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, abdominal masses, leukorrhea with red and white discharge, insufficient lactation. (3) Others: Weight loss, difficult urination, edema, frontal headache, trigeminal neuralgia, renal colic, hernia, etc.
Precise Location
Located on the Stomach Meridian, in the middle abdomen, 3 finger-widths lateral to the umbilicus on both sides.
Location Method
Lie supine or sit upright with the backs of both hands facing outward. Bend the thumb and little finger, bring the three middle fingers together, place the index finger pad on the umbilicus – the point is where the ring finger rests.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb or palm root. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. With palms facing down, press vertically with the index, middle, and ring fingers and knead outward – the pressure point is on the middle finger pad. Apply once each morning and evening, for 1–3 minutes per session. Therapeutic actions: Dispels wind and opens the orifices, regulates qi and relieves pain, ascends the clear and descends the turbid.
Compatibility
Acute appendicitis: Combine with Shangjuxu (ST-37), Lanwei (EX-LE7), and Tianshu (ST-25). Disease overview: Acute appendicitis is the most common acute abdominal condition, characterized by persistent right lower quadrant pain with paroxysmal exacerbation, nausea, vomiting, and elevated white blood cell and neutrophil counts. Right lower quadrant tenderness is a key sign. Prompt medical attention is required; massage is only adjuvant. Massage sequence: First push Shangjuxu 20 times, then push the area about 5 cun below the patella and one finger-width lateral to the tibial crest. Diarrhea: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36) and Tianshu (ST-25). Bacillary dysentery: Combine with Shangjuxu (ST-37), Quchi (LI-11), and Tianshu (ST-25). Constipation: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36), Dachangshu (BL-25), and Tianshu (ST-25). All intestinal disorders: Combine with Shangjuxu (ST-37). Constipation with fu-organ excess: Combine with Zhigou (TE-6) to unblock triple burner qi. Qi-deficiency constipation: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36) and Qihai (RN-6). Appendicitis: Combine with Lanwei (EX-LE7), Shangjuxu (ST-37), Quchi (LI-11), and Ashi points. Intestinal paralysis: Combine with Qihai (RN-6), Guanyuan (RN-4), Dachangshu (BL-25), and Shangliao (BL-31). Dysentery: Combine with Shangjuxu (ST-37) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Kidney-deficiency constipation: Combine with Zhaohai (KI-6) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Kidney-deficiency diarrhea: Combine with Taixi (KI-3) and Shenshu (BL-23). Stomach heat: Combine with Neiting (ST-44). Amenorrhea: Combine with Shuiquan (KI-5), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Guilai (ST-29). Deficiency-type metrorrhagia: Combine with Yinbai (SP-1). Excess-type metrorrhagia: Combine with Diji (SP-8). Dysmenorrhea: Combine with Sanyinjiao (SP-6), Taichong (LR-3), and Ciliao (BL-32). Ascariasis: Combine with Taichong (LR-3), Baichongwo (EX-LE4), and Zhongwan (RN-12). Infantile malnutrition: Combine with Sifeng (EX-UE10). Regulate zang-fu functions: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12), Qihai (RN-6), and Guanyuan (RN-4).
Efficacy & Actions
Ascends the clear and descends the turbid, dredges the intestines and harmonizes the stomach, regulates qi and resolves stagnation. Based on its properties, it is clinically used for intestinal and abdominal disorders.
Contraindications
Needling depth should be monitored – although the abdomen is "deep as a well," caution is needed for thin patients, especially when using lifting-thrusting technique. Contraindicated in pregnant women.
