The 21st acupuncture point on the Stomach channel is ST 21 (Liangmen). This point is useful for the healing of stomachache, vomiting, obesity, poor appetite, abdominal distension, and diarrhea.
This point is located at 4 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to another point REN 12 (Zhongwan) on the front middle line. For acupuncture treatment at this point, puncture the needle perpendicularly for 0.8-1.2 cun.
In Chinese language, “Liang†in the name of the acupuncture point ST 21 (Liangmen) means cereals and rice, while “men†refers to gates or doors. This point can be used to regulate the Stomach, harmonize Qi, relieve vomiting, and stop pain.
Current studies have shown that the acupuncture point ST 21 (Liangmen) is useful for weight loss and the treatment of obesity. It is often used together with other points on the Stomach channel or meridian, such as ST 25 (Tianshu) and ST 26 (Wailing). Such acupuncture treatments have been found especially helpful for pre- and postmenopausal obesity in women, as well as obesity of the excess-heat type.
