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ST-25 Tianshu (天樞) — Heaven's Pivot
Depth
01–1.5 cun3.0
Perpendicular insertion
Precautions
Deep insertion can perforate the peritoneal cavity. Contraindicated in advanced pregnancy.
Location (classical)
On the abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus.
How to find it (practical)
Supine, locate the point 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus.
Anatomy
Rectus abdominis muscle. Innervated by the 10th intercostal nerve. Branches of the inferior epigastric artery and vein.
Needling
Perpendicular insertion 1.0–1.5 cun.
Etymology
Tian (天), heaven; Shu (枢), pivot. The region above the umbilicus is considered Heaven, belonging to Yang; the region below the umbilicus is Earth, belonging to Yin. The point lies at the level of the umbilicus, like a pivot between Heaven and Earth.
CLASSICAL SOURCELing Shu
Clinical Relations
Point Pairs
Back-Shu/Front-MuBL-25 Dachangshu
Classical Combinations
Diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal disorders
Adjacent Points on the Meridian