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ST20

Stomach Channel

Receiving Fullness

承满Chéng Mǎn

Anatomical location

5 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Main function

Regulates Stomach Qi, descends rebellious Qi, relieves epigastric pain, strengthens the Spleen.

Therapeutic indications

  • Epigastric pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • loss of appetite
  • jaundice
  • gastric pain
  • abdominal distension
  • lack of appetite

Name and classical tradition

Chengman (承满) is “receiving fullness.” 承 means to receive; 满 (滿) means full, filled to the brim. It lies five cun above the umbilicus, just below ST19, Burong, “no room.” The two names form a logical pair: above, the stomach can take in no more; here, the arriving food is brimming and is received. The reading rests on the coherence between the two points rather than on a citation.

The first work to record it is the Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion). No alternative names or ancient commentaries are known for it. It is the second piece in the sequence of digestive names of the epigastrium, which continues with ST21.

Location of point ST20, Receiving Fullness
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View point on the 3D modelST20 on the anatomy
Needling techniquePerpendicular insertion 0.5-1 cun. Use caution with the liver and stomach.
Depth0.5-1 cun
MoxibustionApplicable (5-10 minutes, indirect moxa)
Cover of the guide “Protocols for the 20 most common patterns”

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Protocols for the 20 patterns you see most in practice

Each pattern with its tongue, its pulse, the treatment principle and the points to tonify and disperse. Made for the treatment table, not the bookshelf.

Do you use ST20 with your patients?

In the Clinic you record it in the patient's file, next to the tongue, the pulse and the measurements, so at the next session you know exactly what you used. The Atlas is built in.

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