Atlas of Acupuncture

4.3 The Stomach Channel System – Foot yangming(zu yang ming jing luo)

Location

2 cun below the sternocostal angle and 2 cun lateral to the

anterior midline.

How to find

The distance between the sternocostal angle and the centre of the

umbilicus is divided into 8 cun, which can vary considerably

from the patient’s finger cun; therefore, only proportional cun

measurements should be used (helpful tool: elastic tape

➞2.3.1). First, measure 2 cun down from the sternocostal angle.

Or:Measure the midpoint of the upper half of the distance

between the umbilicus and the subcostal angle (➞Ren-12:

spreading hands technique ➞2.3.3). From there, measure 2 cun

in a lateral direction to locate ST-19. As its location depends on

the shape of the thorax, it might be located either on the rib or on

the abdomen. Located on the same level are ➞Ren-14(anterior

midline), ➞KID-21(0.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline) and

➞LIV-14(on the mamillary line and in the 6th intercostal

space). Please note: From ST-19onwards, the ST channel is

located only 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Needling

Vertically 0.5–1 cun. If the correct location projects this point on

the lower ribcage, needle transversely on the rib or locate the

point more medially (or choose an alternative point) Caution:

Peritoneum, pericardium.

Actions/Indications

● Regulates the Stomach, Intestines and Middle Burner

● Regulates the Lung Qi

Not Contained BURONG ST-19

Sternocostal

angle

ST-18

ST-19

ST-20

2 cun

2 cun

2 cun

Ren-14

LIV-14 6th intercostal space

5th intercostal space

KID-21 Ren-14

2 cun

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