Stomach meridian
ST-21 (Liángmén, 梁门) — Beam Gate
- Meridian
- Stomach (ST)
- Anatomical view
- anterior
- Point classification
- Upper abdominal point of the Stomach channel.
- Depth reference
- 0.8-1.2 cun perpendicular only where anatomy permits; superficial or horizontal on the right
- Moxibustion
- Not established in checked point-specific sources; avoid abdominal moxibustion during pregnancy unless specifically assessed by a qualified practitioner.
- Reference aliases
- ST21; Liangmen; 梁门; Beam Gate
Anatomical location
On the upper abdomen, 4 B-cun above the umbilicus and 2 B-cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Traditional actions
Harmonizes the middle burner; descends rebellious Stomach qi; checks diarrhea.
Recorded indications
Primary: Epigastric pain; vomiting; poor appetite; abdominal fullness.
Secondary: Loose stools or diarrhea; digestive rumbling.
How to read this reference
AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.
Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.
Sources
References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region ST21, p. 56
- Acupuncture.Com Acupuncture Point Reference Stomach 21
- Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand, Safety in Clinical Practice Guidance Care with points over organ tissue, p. 13
- WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Pregnancy and chest, back, and abdomen safety, pp. 20 and 24
- South Africa Government Gazette, Acupuncture Safety Guidelines ST21 gallbladder and abdominal organ safety, pp. 14 and 21
Frequently asked questions
Where is ST-21 located?
On the upper abdomen, 4 B-cun above the umbilicus and 2 B-cun lateral to the anterior midline.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for ST-21?
Harmonizes the middle burner; descends rebellious Stomach qi; checks diarrhea. The dataset lists these primary indications: Epigastric pain; vomiting; poor appetite; abdominal fullness. Secondary indications are recorded as: Loose stools or diarrhea; digestive rumbling.
Is ST-21 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify ST-21 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.