ST19 Not Contained, or Not Tolerated

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

ST19 (Bùróng, “Not Contained, or Not Tolerated”) is an acupuncture point on the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the upper abdomen, 6 cun superior to the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the midline (Ren Mai), level with the Conception Vessel point Juque (CV14). It harmonizes the stomach, descends rebellious qi, alleviates pain, and disperses accumulations.

Location

On the upper abdomen, 6 cun superior to the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the midline (Ren Mai), level with the Conception Vessel point Juque (CV14).

Needling

Perpendicular or oblique-inferior insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep insertion carries a risk of injuring the liver (especially if enlarged) or puncturing the peritoneum.

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TCM functions

Harmonizes the stomach, descends rebellious qi, alleviates pain, and disperses accumulations..

Indications

Accumulated qi, abdominal pain like a knife stabbing, abdominal tightness and tension, inability to eat, chest and back pain that pull on each other, inability to cough, coughing that causes shoulder pain, cough with panting, hernia and masses, poor appetite, abdominal rumbling, vomiting, phlegm masses, flank accumulations, heart pain with vomiting of acid, food and drink not descending, vomiting after eating..

Clinical notes

Classically, Burong is a primary point for disorders of the middle jiao, particularly rebellious stomach qi. Its indications focus on vomiting, inability to eat, and various types of abdominal pain and distention from qi or food stagnation. The connection to referred pain in the chest, back, and shoulders during coughing highlights its role in regulating qi flow between the upper and middle burners.

On the Stomach channel

ST19 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST19 located?

ST19 (Bùróng) is located on the upper abdomen, 6 cun superior to the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the midline (Ren Mai), level with the Conception Vessel point Juque (CV14).

What is ST19 used for?

ST19 harmonizes the stomach, descends rebellious qi, alleviates pain, and disperses accumulations. Common clinical indications include accumulated qi, abdominal pain like a knife stabbing, abdominal tightness and tension, inability to eat, chest and back pain that pull on each other, inability to cough, coughing that causes shoulder pain, cough with panting, hernia and masses, poor appetite, abdominal rumbling, vomiting, phlegm masses, flank accumulations, heart pain with vomiting of acid, food and drink not descending, vomiting after eating.

How is ST19 needled?

Perpendicular or oblique-inferior insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Deep insertion carries a risk of injuring the liver (especially if enlarged) or puncturing the peritoneum. Caution: Overlies abdominal organs (liver/spleen/kidney/gallbladder) — avoid deep perpendicular insertion; risk of organ puncture.

Which meridian is ST19 on?

ST19 is a point on the Stomach Meridian (Zú Yángmíng Wèijīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.