ST29 Guilai means 'Return'

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

ST29 (Guilai, “Guilai means 'Return'”) is an acupuncture point on the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the lower abdomen, 4 cun inferior to the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the rectus abdominis muscle. It warms the Lower Jiao, regulates menstruation, dispels Cold, and alleviates pain.

Location

On the lower abdomen, 4 cun inferior to the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the rectus abdominis muscle.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Caution is advised to avoid puncturing the peritoneum, and in women, to consider the state of the bladder.

TCM functions

Warms the Lower Jiao, regulates menstruation, dispels Cold, and alleviates pain..

Indications

Running piglet disorder (Ben Tun), testicular retraction into the abdomen, pain in the penis, women's blood-stasis and cold in the uterus, uterine prolapse, amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, cold and pain in the female genitalia, infertility, abdominal fullness, hernia..

Clinical notes

Guilai is a crucial point for gynecological and andrological disorders stemming from cold and stagnation in the Lower Jiao. It is particularly effective for hernia-like pain, testicular retraction, and menstrual irregularities such as amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea due to cold. Its name, 'Return', aptly describes its ability to address prolapse and restore normal physiological function in the pelvic region.

On the Stomach channel

ST29 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST29 located?

ST29 (Guilai) is located on the lower abdomen, 4 cun inferior to the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the rectus abdominis muscle.

What is ST29 used for?

ST29 warms the Lower Jiao, regulates menstruation, dispels Cold, and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include running piglet disorder (Ben Tun), testicular retraction into the abdomen, pain in the penis, women's blood-stasis and cold in the uterus, uterine prolapse, amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, cold and pain in the female genitalia, infertility, abdominal fullness, hernia.

How is ST29 needled?

Perpendicular insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Caution is advised to avoid puncturing the peritoneum, and in women, to consider the state of the bladder.

Which meridian is ST29 on?

ST29 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.