ST 25 Acupuncture Point: The Complete Guide to Indications, Actions, and Research (2024)
ST 25 Location © 2024 by HOPE is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
ST 25 Blog Photo © 2024 by HOPE is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
ST 25 Location
Classification: Front-Mu point of the Large Intestine Meridian
ST 25, also known as Tianshu or "Heaven's Pivot," is located on the abdomen. To locate ST 25, measure 2 cun (approximately two finger widths) lateral to the center of the umbilicus on either side. This point lies directly on the horizontal line through the navel, making it easily identifiable for both practitioners and patients.
Further Notes: Ying-Spring points are acupuncture points where the qi flows down the meridian. They are used to treat heat in the body and changes in skin color.
How to Apply Acupuncture at ST 25
The insertion angle should be perpendicular to the skin, and the depth typically ranges from 0.5 to 0.8 cun.
Indications for Using ST 25
Digestive Disorders: ST 25 is effective in alleviating symptoms of digestive issues such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. It helps regulate bowel movements and improve overall digestive function.
Menstrual Disorders: This point is beneficial for treating menstrual irregularities, including irregular periods, dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), and premenstrual abdominal distension. It helps regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve menstrual cramps.
Pain Relief: ST 25 provides relief from both acute and chronic abdominal pain. It is particularly useful for alleviating pain associated with gastrointestinal and menstrual disorders.
Edema and Urinary Problems: ST 25 helps regulate fluid metabolism, making it effective for conditions like edema (swelling due to fluid retention) and urinary retention. It promotes normal urination and reduces fluid retention.
Respiratory Issues: This point can help alleviate symptoms of respiratory disorders such as cough and asthma by regulating the body's qi and enhancing respiratory function.
Skin Disorders: ST 25 can be used to treat certain skin conditions that manifest with symptoms like itching, rashes, or eruptions, particularly those related to heat and dampness in the body.
Actions of ST 25
Regulates the Intestines: This point is effective in promoting bowel movements and treating digestive issues like diarrhea and constipation by regulating intestinal function.
Clears Dampness and Heat: ST 25 helps to eliminate damp heat from the lower abdomen, which is beneficial for treating conditions like dysentery and abdominal distension.
Relieves Abdominal Pain: It is particularly useful for reducing both acute and chronic abdominal pain, making it a go-to point for various gastrointestinal discomforts.
Regulates Qi and Blood: By facilitating the smooth flow of qi and blood in the abdomen, ST 25 helps to alleviate pain and improve overall digestive health.
Balances Fluids: This point helps regulate fluid metabolism in the body, which can be beneficial in conditions involving fluid retention, such as edema and ascites.
Supports Menstrual Health: ST 25 is effective in addressing menstrual irregularities and relieving menstrual cramps by regulating qi and blood flow in the pelvic region.
Research on GB 41
ST25 Acupuncture Point Effective for Children’s Constipation (2022)
Childhood constipation is common, with most cases being functional and potentially lasting into adulthood if untreated. This study explored using BL25 and ST25 acupuncture points to treat functional constipation in children, finding 20 common targets and mechanisms involving inflammation and adipocytokines
Hypoglycemic Effects of ST25 Acupuncture on Nervous System (2021)
This study found that current therapeutic strategies for managing hyperglycemia may not prevent disease progression and can cause adverse effects and comorbidities, including weight gain from insulin, sulfonylureas, and glinides. Additionally, electroacupuncture (EA) at ST25 was shown to reduce body weight and improve glucose metabolism in T2DM rats, suggesting potential pancreatic repair through neural regulation.
Meta-Analysis of ST25 Acupuncture for Constipation (2020)
This meta-analysis demonstrates that acupuncture significantly improves clinical outcomes in patients with postoperative ileus. The findings indicate a reduction in time to first flatus, stool, and shortened hospital stay. Acupuncture also positively affects gastrointestinal function recovery indicators such as bowel sound recovery time, indicating its potential as a beneficial therapy in postoperative care.
Acupuncture at ST25 Improves Pain Threshold in Rats with Chronic Visceral Hypersensitivity (2009)
This systematic review evaluates the efficacy of acupuncture in treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The review includes randomized controlled trials and concludes that acupuncture may provide symptomatic relief for IBS patients. However, the evidence is not strong enough to recommend acupuncture as a primary treatment due to methodological limitations in the studies reviewed.
ST 25 in Different Languages
Chinese (Simplified): 天枢 (Tiānshū)
Chinese (Traditional): 天樞 (Tiānshū)
Pinyin: Tiān shū
English: Heavenly Pivot
Korean: 천추 (Cheon chu)
Vietnamese: Thiên xu
Further Resources
For more information, visit our pages on Neuro-Acupuncture and Dry Needling. If you want to learn more about stomach meridians, please visit our recent post on ST 36 & ST 44!
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