ST 29 — Guī Lái (归来) — Return
On this page
1. Overview
ST 29 — Guī Lái (归来) — is an acupuncture point on the Stomach meridian. Its English name, Return, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for 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 practise at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
4 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline (lateral to CV 4).
3. Actions
- Regulates the uterus and warms the lower Jiao
- Dispels Cold and moves Blood stasis in the lower abdomen
- Treats male genital disorders
4. Indications
- Irregular menstruation, amenorrhoea and dysmenorrhoea
- Cold uterus and infertility
- Uterine prolapse
- Hernia and lower abdominal pain
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.8–1.2 cun. Avoid during pregnancy.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
ST 29's name — Return — refers to the return of normal menstrual function. Combined with CV 4 and SP 6 it forms a powerful lower abdominal prescription for Cold uterus and amenorrhoea. Moxibustion at ST 29 warms the uterus in Cold-pattern infertility and luteal phase defect.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use ST 29 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Fertility, Irregular menstrual cycle, Luteal phase defect. 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.
