-IBIS-1.5.0-
rx
point
St-21: XI-21: liang men
acupuncture
definition
liang men = beam door; bridge gate
this point acts as a door between the Upper and Lower Warmer regions; it is needled when they are unable to communicate (Finkelstein, p. 15)
location: 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline of the abdomen Zhong Wan (CV-12), 4 cun above umbilicus.
diagnostic uses: left St-21 tender to palpation with gastric ulcer; right St-21 tender to palpation with duodenal ulcer (Matsumoto)
actions: harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach; regulates Center Qi and promotes flow of Qi; strengthens the Spleen; promotes the transportation and transformation of Grain and Liquids by the Spleen and Stomach; dispels Middle Warmer Heat; reduces Food Stagnation; stimulates descending of Stomach Qi; relieves pain
indications: poor appetite; stomachache; stomach ulcers; acute and chronic gastritis; stomach prolapse; distension, nausea and vomiting, esp. following meals; Shi (Excess) gastric conditions; thin stools, chronic loose stools or diarrhea, esp. due to colon disease; rectal prolapse
needle technique: perpendicular insertion, 0.8 - 1.0 cun, producing a heavy distended feeling in upper abdomen, occasionally spreading downward and outward; needling usually contraindicated with gastric or duodenal ulcer, as patient very likely to be aggravated and may vomit blood (Matsumoto)
moxa: 2 - 5 cones of direct moxa; 5 - 10 minutes of indirect moxibustion with a pole
combinations:
» with St-25 relieves Food Stagnation and Accumulation (Finkelstein, p. 15);
» with St-25 and CV-12 (-) descends Rebellious Qi of the Stomach (Finkelstein, p. 15);
» with PC-6 and St-34 for nervous dysfunction of the Stomach (Shanghai, p. 180);
» with CV-12, St-36 and LI-10 for stomach ulcer (Shanghai, p. 180).
footnotes