UB 21

Acupuncture Point Theory

UB 21 Acupuncture Point Applications and Theory

The acupuncture point "UB 21" , 胃俞, is represented by "Wei Shu" in pinyin and "Stomach Shu" in english and may be found:

1.5 cun lateral to GV line, level with T12.


Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Main point for all Stomach related issues in TCM diagnostic terms - harmonizes the stomach, transforms damp and resolves stagnation:  food stagnation, abdominal distention, borborygmus, mouth ulcers, vomiting, belching, nausea, etc.
  • Dissolve accumulations/lumps in the abdomen, combine with Pigen (point for lumps, tumors), 3.5 cun lateral to the lower border of L1.  Due to the same qi stagnation resolving functions it may also be useful for pain in the chest, stomach/spleen area and lateral costal margin area.
  • As the point also regulates the upward rising qi functions, it is used for prolapse of the rectum and uses with other points for hiatal hernias.


Ub 21 has the following theoretical associations which serve as important guideposts in designing an effective treatment protocol:

Explore ub 21 functional grouping theory - MuShu, or read all point categories and related theory.

A single acupuncture point is not commonly thought of as an empirical way to influence a TCM diagnostic pattern. UB21, however, is a strong candidate to be incorporated into an acupuncture protocol for patients who exhibit: Stomach Food Stagnation, Stomach Qi Deficiency and/or Stomach Rebellious Qi

UB 21 may potentially be used, in coordination with a well designed acupuncture treatment protocol, to influence the following conditions: Abdominal Pain, Acid Reflux Disease (GERD), Borborygmus, Chest Pain, Epigastric Pain and/or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

While not necessarily valid clinically, EX Huatuojiaji at T12 (T12 innervates the transverse colon and is used f…) and UB 50 (Local Point.) are nearby.

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