ST 25 — Tiān Shū (天枢) — Heaven's Pivot
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1. Overview
ST 25 — Tiān Shū (天枢) — is an acupuncture point on the Stomach meridian. Its English name, Heaven's Pivot, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use ST 25 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus.
3. Actions
- Regulates the Intestines and resolves Dampness
- Promotes transportation and transformation of the Large Intestine
- Regulates Qi and Blood in the Middle and Lower Jiao
- Clears Heat and Damp-Heat from the Intestines
- Front-Mu point of the Large Intestine
4. Indications
- Diarrhoea, dysentery and constipation — the primary point for large intestinal disorders
- Abdominal pain, bloating and distension
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease
- Irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhoea
- Oedema and water accumulation
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.8–1.2 cun. Moxibustion frequently used. Avoid deep needling during pregnancy.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
ST 25 is the Front-Mu (Alarm) point of the Large Intestine, making it diagnostically sensitive and therapeutically powerful for all Large Intestinal conditions. Moxibustion at ST 25 is particularly effective for diarrhoea and Cold patterns in the intestines. Combined with ST 36 (Zusanli), ST 37 (Shangjuxu) and ST 39 (Xiajuxu) it forms the core point prescription for intestinal disorders. In gynaecology, ST 25 is used to regulate the Chong Mai and menstruation through its connection to the Lower Jiao.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use ST 25 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Irritable bowel syndrome, Ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, Irregular menstrual cycle. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
