Stomach meridian
ST-30 (Qìchōng, 气冲) — Penetrating Qi
- Meridian
- Stomach (ST)
- Anatomical view
- anterior
- Point classification
- Meeting point of the Stomach channel and Penetrating vessel; Sea of Water and Grain point.
- Depth reference
- 0.5-1.0 cun perpendicular with strict vessel avoidance
- Moxibustion
- Not established in checked point-specific sources; avoid direct moxibustion over the femoral artery and avoid lower-abdominal moxibustion during pregnancy.
- Reference aliases
- ST30; Qichong; 气冲; Penetrating Qi
Anatomical location
In the groin, level with the upper border of the pubic symphysis, 2 B-cun lateral to the anterior midline and over the femoral artery.
Traditional actions
Regulates the lower burner and Penetrating vessel; settles counterflow qi in the abdomen.
Recorded indications
Primary: Groin or lower abdominal pain; hernia-type pain; menstrual irregularity.
Secondary: Genital swelling; erectile difficulty; agitation with upward-rushing qi.
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 ST30, p. 60
- Acupuncture.Com Acupuncture Point Reference Stomach 30
- Chinese Medicine Council of New Zealand, Safety in Clinical Practice Guidance Major vessel and pregnancy precautions, pp. 11-13
- WHO Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture Direct moxibustion over large vessels and circulatory-system safety, pp. 23 and 25
Frequently asked questions
Where is ST-30 located?
In the groin, level with the upper border of the pubic symphysis, 2 B-cun lateral to the anterior midline and over the femoral artery.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for ST-30?
Regulates the lower burner and Penetrating vessel; settles counterflow qi in the abdomen. The dataset lists these primary indications: Groin or lower abdominal pain; hernia-type pain; menstrual irregularity. Secondary indications are recorded as: Genital swelling; erectile difficulty; agitation with upward-rushing qi.
Is ST-30 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify ST-30 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.