ST23 (Taiyi, “Taiyi”) is an acupuncture point on the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the upper abdomen, 2 cun superior to the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of CV10 (Xiawan). This places it 1 cun inferior to Guanmen (ST22). It calms the spirit, pacifies mania and agitation, and harmonizes the middle jiao.
On the upper abdomen, 2 cun superior to the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of CV10 (Xiawan). This places it 1 cun inferior to Guanmen (ST22).
Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun.
Calms the spirit, pacifies mania and agitation, and harmonizes the middle jiao.
Vexation of the heart, madness, mania with wild running, epileptic disease, thrusting out the tongue.
Taiyi is a primary point for severe shen disturbances such as mania, psychosis, and epilepsy, particularly when characterized by agitation and chaotic behavior. Its name, 'Supreme Unity,' reflects its function of calming the mind and restoring a sense of centeredness. While less commonly used for digestive issues than its neighbors, its ability to pacify the spirit can be beneficial when emotional turmoil disrupts stomach function.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《類經圖翼》 Lèijīng Túyì — Illustrated Wings to the Classified Canon, Zhang Jiebin, 1624 · 卷六 · 經絡（四） · 足陽明胃經穴 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
太乙 在關門下一寸，去中行二寸，對下脘。 刺八分，灸五壯。 一云五分、三壯。 主治心煩癲狂吐舌According to this text, ST23 lies 1 cun below Guanmen, 2 cun from the midline, opposite Xiawan, needled 0.8 cun with 5 moxa cones (another view: 0.5 cun, 3 cones); it was used for vexation of the heart, mania and protrusion of the tongue.
《針灸逢源》 Zhēnjiǔ Féngyuán — Sources of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Li Xuechuan, 1815 · 卷四 · 經穴考正 · 足陽明胃經穴考 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
太乙 在關門下一寸。 下脘旁二寸。 （針八分。 灸五壯）治癲狂吐舌According to this text, ST23 lies 1 cun below Guanmen, 2 cun beside Xiawan, needled 0.8 cun with 5 moxa cones, and was used for mania (dian-kuang) with protrusion of the tongue.
ST23 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:
ST23 (Taiyi) is located on the upper abdomen, 2 cun superior to the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the midline, at the level of CV10 (Xiawan). This places it 1 cun inferior to Guanmen (ST22).
ST23 calms the spirit, pacifies mania and agitation, and harmonizes the middle jiao. Common clinical indications include vexation of the heart, madness, mania with wild running, epileptic disease, thrusting out the tongue.
Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Caution: The 'Taiyi Ge' (Song of Taiyi) describes a system of 'heavenly taboos' based on the movement of the celestial entity Taiyi through the nine palaces. It warns against treating carbuncles or abscesses in the region corresponding to Taiyi's location on a given day, as it is a 'heavenly taboo day' and the disease will be difficult to cure.
ST23 is a point on the Stomach Meridian (Zú Yángmíng Wèijīng).