Bladder 21 (BL 21) Wei Shu — Stomach Shu

This is the Back-Shu point of the Stomach. It harmonises and strengthens the Stomach, promotes digestion and descends rebellious qi.

Bladder 21 (BL 21) Wei Shu 胃俞 — Stomach Shu

Location

On the back, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12).

Anatomy

On the latissimus dorsi, over the erector spinae; the subcostal artery; the dorsal rami of the thoracic nerves.

Actions & Functions

  • Harmonises and strengthens the Stomach (Back-Shu of the Stomach)
  • Promotes digestion and descends rebellious qi

Indications

Stomach pain and epigastric distension, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, and indigestion.

Needling

0.5-0.7 cun, oblique insertion towards the spine.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With BL-20 and REN-12 to strengthen the Stomach and Spleen.

Classical Text References

The Back-Shu point of the Stomach.

Cautions & Contraindications

Avoid deep insertion (kidney lies deep); needle obliquely.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.