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ST-23 Supreme Unity
太乙 〔太乙〕 tài yǐ
Alternate names: 太一 tài yī, Supreme Unity
Channel: ST, foot yáng brightness (yáng míng) stomach channel
Modern location: An acupoint located on the upper abdomen, 2 cùn superior to the umbilicus and 2 cùn lateral to the midline.
Classical location: One cùn below Pass Gate (ST-22, two cùn either side of the midline. From
Local anatomy: Branches of the 8th and 9th intercostal and inferior epigastric arteries and veins. Branches of the 8th and 9th intercostal nerves.
Action: Clears the heart and quiets the spirit; fortifies the spleen and harmonizes the center.
Modern indications: Stomach pain; heart vexation; mania and withdrawal.
Classical indications: Intestinal mounting (shàn); enuresis; protrusion of the tongue; leg qì (jiǎo qì,
Needle stimulus: Needling: 0.7‒1.0 cùn perpendicular insertion. Moxa: 5 cones; pole 5‒20 min.
Point name meaning:
- 太 tài: - supreme, most, excessive
- 乙 yǐ: - one; the intestines of a fish; second of the ten heavenly stems
The original meaning of 乙 (yǐ) was the intestines of a fish. The shape of the character represents the intestines, and in this point name, relates to the location and function of the point as regards that bowel.
The term 太乙 (tài yǐ) is also the name of the supreme unity. Because, as Lǎo Zǐ says in the Dà Dé Jīng, the ten thousand things spring from one,
the point name Supreme Unity is a metaphor for the stomach (or the center burner), which is the source of post-natal qì. This name serves as a reminder that the point belongs to the stomach channel and treats disorders of the center burner. As the one thing (i.e., the supreme unity) splits to become heaven and earth, so the turbid and the clear are divided at
That the term 太乙 (tài yǐ) is the name of a star that is related to the abdomen in Chinese astrological theory is also worthy of note. See