ST21 Liangmen translates to 'Beam Gate

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

ST21 (Liángmén, “Liangmen translates to 'Beam Gate”) is an acupuncture point on the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the upper abdomen, 4 cun superior to the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the midline, on the Stomach channel. This places it 1 cun inferior to Chengman (ST20) and 1 cun superior to Guanmen (ST22). It harmonizes the middle jiao, regulates stomach and intestinal qi, resolves food stagnation, and disperses accumulations.

Location

On the upper abdomen, 4 cun superior to the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the midline, on the Stomach channel. This places it 1 cun inferior to Chengman (ST20) and 1 cun superior to Guanmen (ST22).

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun.

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TCM functions

Harmonizes the middle jiao, regulates stomach and intestinal qi, resolves food stagnation, and disperses accumulations..

Indications

Accumulated qi in the abdomen, knotted qi with abdominal pain, accumulated qi under the hypochondrium, accumulated qi below the chest, lack of desire to eat or drink, slippery discharge from the large intestine, undigested food in the stool..

Clinical notes

Liangmen is a key local point for addressing disorders of the stomach and intestines, particularly those involving stagnation and accumulation. Its classical indications point to its effectiveness for abdominal masses or pain from qi stagnation, poor appetite, and diarrhea with undigested food. It functions to restore the proper descending and transforming action of the middle jiao.

On the Stomach channel

ST21 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

ST17ST18ST19ST20ST22ST23ST24ST25

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST21 located?

ST21 (Liángmén) is located on the upper abdomen, 4 cun superior to the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the midline, on the Stomach channel. This places it 1 cun inferior to Chengman (ST20) and 1 cun superior to Guanmen (ST22).

What is ST21 used for?

ST21 harmonizes the middle jiao, regulates stomach and intestinal qi, resolves food stagnation, and disperses accumulations. Common clinical indications include accumulated qi in the abdomen, knotted qi with abdominal pain, accumulated qi under the hypochondrium, accumulated qi below the chest, lack of desire to eat or drink, slippery discharge from the large intestine, undigested food in the stool.

How is ST21 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Caution: Overlies abdominal organs (liver/spleen/kidney/gallbladder) — avoid deep perpendicular insertion; risk of organ puncture.

Which meridian is ST21 on?

ST21 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.