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Where is the best place to apply moxibustion for gastrointestinal discomfort?

May 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, there is no specific acupoint that is considered the best for abdominal discomfort. Commonly used acupoints for gastrointestinal discomfort include Zhongwan (CV12), Zusanli (ST36), Shenque (CV8), Pishu (BL20), and Weishu (BL21). If discomfort persists, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Moxibustion at these acupoints may help regulate gastrointestinal discomfort to some extent, but care should be taken during moxibustion to control the temperature and duration in order to avoid burns.

Generally speaking, there is no specific acupoint that is considered the best for abdominal discomfort. Common acupoints used for gastrointestinal discomfort include Zhongwan (CV12), Zusanli (ST36), Shenque (CV8), Pishu (BL20), and Weishu (BL21), which tend to be more effective. If discomfort persists, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Zhongwan (CV12)

Located on the upper abdomen, on the anterior midline, 4 cun above the umbilicus. It is the front-mu point of the stomach where stomach qi gathers. Moxibustion at Zhongwan can warm the middle jiao, strengthen the spleen, harmonize the stomach, and relieve counterflow. It is effective in regulating gastrointestinal discomfort symptoms such as stomach pain, distension, nausea, and vomiting.

2. Zusanli (ST36)

Located on the lateral side of the lower leg, 3 cun below Dubi (ST35), on the line connecting Dubi and Jexi (ST41). Zusanli is one of the main acupoints of the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming. It helps regulate immune function, enhance disease resistance, regulate the spleen and stomach, and replenish qi and blood. Moxibustion at this acupoint can improve gastrointestinal function and relieve symptoms such as indigestion, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

3. Shenque (CV8)

This refers to the navel, an important acupoint of the human body. Moxibustion at Shenque can warm and supplement yang qi, strengthen the spleen and stomach, and regulate the intestines and stomach. It is particularly effective for abdominal pain, diarrhea, and indigestion caused by deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach, and can also enhance the body's resistance.

4. Pishu (BL20)

Located on the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra. Pishu is the acupoint where the qi of the spleen is transported to the back. Moxibustion at Pishu can strengthen the spleen and stomach, resolve dampness, and promote the rising of clear qi, helping to improve spleen and stomach function, promote digestion and absorption, and regulate symptoms such as gastrointestinal weakness and loss of appetite.

5. Weishu (BL21)

Located on the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the spinous process of the 12th thoracic vertebra. Weishu is the back-shu point of the stomach. Moxibustion at Weishu can harmonize the stomach, strengthen the spleen, regulate the middle jiao, and relieve counterflow, effectively alleviating symptoms such as gastric pain, indigestion, and abdominal distension, playing an important role in improving stomach function.

Moxibustion at the above acupoints has a certain regulatory effect on gastrointestinal discomfort, but attention should be paid to temperature and duration during moxibustion to avoid burns. At the same time, the causes of gastrointestinal discomfort are complex, and moxibustion can only be used as an adjunctive therapy. If symptoms are severe or do not improve, timely medical consultation is recommended to identify the cause and receive targeted treatment.

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