In the vast system of acupuncture points and meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), there is an often-overlooked point that possesses special effects such as strengthening the pi (spleen) and wei (stomach), moistening the intestines, promoting bowel movements, uplifting the five organs, and balancing internal and external Qi. This point is known as Tian Shu (Heavenly Pivot).
Tian Shu is located in the abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus along the anterior midline.
In TCM theory, Tian Shu is an important point on the Zu Yangming Wei Jing (Stomach Meridian of the Foot Yangming) and is also the mu (alarm) point of the large intestine, closely related to the functions of the spleen, stomach, and large intestine.
It acts like a silent guardian, quietly protecting our digestive system.
Throughout history, various physicians have noted its significance:
First, in the classic text Ling Shu: Gu Du, it states: “From the que pen (sacrum) to the tian shu is 8 cun; if excessive, the stomach is large, if insufficient, the stomach is small. From Tian Shu to the heng gu (transverse bone) is 6.5 cun; if excessive, the small intestine is long, if insufficient, it is short.” This is the earliest mention of Tian Shu in this classic work, establishing its existence and basic information.
Second, in Suwen: Liu Wei Zhi Da Lun, it mentions: “Above Tian Shu, the heavenly Qi governs; below Tian Shu, the earthly Qi governs.” This statement primarily elaborates on the relationship between the Qi of heaven and earth and the human body in TCM theory.
Here, Tian Shu refers to the intersection of heaven and earth, which can also be understood as the convergence point of the heavenly and earthly Qi within the human body. Specifically, “above Tian Shu” refers to the upper body or upper jiao, primarily governed by heavenly Qi (i.e., clear and light Qi, Yang Qi), which has the function of rising and dispersing; “below Tian Shu” refers to the lower body or lower jiao, primarily governed by earthly Qi (i.e., turbid and heavy Qi, Yin Qi), which has the function of descending and storing.
In TCM theory, the human body is a microcosm, closely connected to the great nature of heaven and earth. The rise and fall of the Qi of heaven and earth directly affect the life activities of the human body. When the Qi of heaven and earth converges at Tian Shu, the Yin and Yang Qi within the body also reach a balanced state, thus maintaining normal physiological functions. If the Qi of heaven and earth is imbalanced, it will lead to Yin-Yang disharmony in the body, resulting in various diseases.
This statement also reflects the holistic view and Yin-Yang balance theory in TCM. In TCM, the human body and nature are an inseparable whole; only by following the natural laws of heaven and earth can one maintain health. Therefore, in health preservation and disease treatment, TCM emphasizes harmonizing Yin and Yang, balancing Qi and blood, to achieve a harmonious and unified state within the body.
Third, the Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing records that Tian Shu is located: “1.5 cun from huang yu (bladder shu), 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus on both sides.” This emphasizes its specific location.
Fourth, in the Qian Jin Fang: it records “difficult urination… moxibustion at Tian Shu 100 times. Tian Shu governs malaria, chills, high fever, and delirium. Tian Shu governs diarrhea due to cold in winter, abdominal pain around the umbilicus, and wandering Qi pain in the intestines and stomach.” This indicates that during the Tang Dynasty, Tian Shu was already used to treat conditions such as difficult urination, malaria, chills, high fever, delirium, diarrhea after exposure to cold in winter, abdominal pain around the umbilicus, and wandering Qi pain in the intestines and stomach.
Fifth, in the Zhen Jiu Da Cheng: it records “women’s conditions of masses, blood clots, abnormal discharge, and irregular menstruation.” This indicates that Tian Shu was also used to treat gynecological diseases such as abdominal masses, abnormal menstrual discharge, and irregular menstruation during the Ming Dynasty.
Thus, strengthening the spleen and stomach is the primary function of Tian Shu.
The spleen and stomach are the core of the human digestive system. When their functions are strong, the body can properly digest and absorb food, providing sufficient nutrition and energy.
Through its unique meridian effects, Tian Shu can regulate the functions of the spleen and stomach, enhancing their ability to transform and transport, thus improving symptoms such as poor appetite, indigestion, and abdominal bloating.
Moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements is another highlight of Tian Shu.
In modern society, due to the fast pace of life and irregular eating habits, constipation has become increasingly common. Tian Shu, through its meridian conduction effects, can regulate the functions of the large intestine, promote intestinal peristalsis, and help expel waste and toxins from the body, thus alleviating constipation and maintaining intestinal health.
In addition to strengthening the spleen and stomach and moistening the intestines, Tian Shu also has the effects of uplifting the five organs and balancing internal and external Qi.
It can adjust the functions of the five internal organs through meridian conduction, keeping them in a coordinated balance.
At the same time, Tian Shu can also regulate the body’s Qi mechanism, allowing the internal and external Qi to connect, maintaining normal physiological functions.
This function has a positive effect on improving sub-health conditions and enhancing immunity.
However, despite the remarkable effects of Tian Shu, it is often overlooked in real life.
Many people have limited knowledge of acupuncture points in TCM and are unaware of how to utilize these points for body regulation. Therefore, we should strengthen the popularization and promotion of TCM acupuncture point knowledge, allowing more people to understand the functions of points like Tian Shu and learn to use them for health maintenance and disease prevention.
In daily life, we can stimulate Tian Shu through the following methods to regulate the body.
1. Massage method: Lie on your back, relax the upper body, and expose the abdomen. Bring the index, middle, and ring fingers together to find the position 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus, applying pressure until a slight soreness is felt to locate accurately. Use the index and middle fingers to massage Tian Shu for 3-5 minutes, also massaging clockwise and counterclockwise for five minutes each. Repeat 2-3 times daily.
2. Moxibustion method: The patient should take a suitable position, using either circular moxibustion or ginger moxibustion, with each session lasting 10-20 minutes, applying 5-9 cones of moxa or using moxa sticks for 10-15 minutes, until the skin is slightly red without a burning sensation. Repeat 1-2 times daily.
Clinical combinations:
1. Combine with Da Heng (Great Horizontal), Shen Que (Spirit Gateway), and Zu San Li (Leg Three Miles) to harmonize the middle and stop diarrhea, mainly used for regulating gastritis and pediatric diarrhea.
2. Combine with Xuan Zhong (Suspended Bell), Zhong Ji (Central Pole), San Yin Jiao (Three Yin Intersection), and Tai Chong (Great Surge) to soothe the liver, regulate Qi, and relieve menstrual pain, useful for regulating irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea.
3. Combine with Qu Chi (Pool at the Bend), Pi Shu (Spleen Shu), Wei Shu (Stomach Shu), and Zhong Wan (Middle Cavity) to regulate jaundice.
4. Combine with Guan Yuan (Gate of Origin), Nei Guan (Inner Pass), and Zu San Li (Leg Three Miles) to regulate indigestion and diarrhea.
5. Combine with Shen Shu (Kidney Shu), Da Chang Shu (Large Intestine Shu), and Zu San Li (Leg Three Miles) to warm and promote Qi, regulating the intestines, useful for treating enteritis.
6. Combine with Yang Ling Quan (Yang Mound Spring), Ju Xu (Great Void), and Lan Wei (Appendix Point) to regulate Qi, invigorate blood, and resolve stasis, useful for treating acute appendicitis.
7. Combine with Shang Wan (Upper Cavity), Qi Hai (Sea of Qi), and Shui Fen (Water Point) to regulate periumbilical abdominal pain.
8. Combine with Yin Ling Quan (Yin Mound Spring), Qu Chi (Pool at the Bend), and Shang Ju Xu (Upper Great Void) to regulate bacterial dysentery.
In summary, Tian Shu is a forgotten treasure for strengthening the spleen and moistening the intestines. It possesses the functions of strengthening the spleen and stomach, moistening the intestines, uplifting the five organs, and balancing internal and external Qi, making it an important tool for body regulation and disease prevention. Let us rediscover and cherish this acupuncture point, allowing it to safeguard our health.