If you’ve ever experienced stomach issues, Celestial Pivot (Tian Shu, ST25) may be the acupoint you didn’t know you needed. Despite being among the most commonly used points in clinical acupuncture, it’s rarely discussed outside the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) community.
That’s a shame—because Tian Shu isn’t just a one-trick pony. It serves as a gateway for understanding how qi (vital energy) flows through the body and how disharmony in that flow can lead to a wide range of issues. Think of it as a switchboard operator for your body’s energy network and see how it can keep everything connected and functioning smoothly.
A Link Between Heaven and Earth
Tian Shu was first mentioned in the “Ling Shu” (“The Spiritual Pivot”), one of the foundational texts of acupuncture theory. Its location is important in TCM because it sits at the boundary between the “sky” (upper abdomen) and the “earth” (lower abdomen), acting as a central point where heaven and earth qi converge. That’s what makes it a “pivot”—or, more accurately, a hub.
In TCM, acupoints with “pivot” names regulate the flow of vital energy or qi. Tian Shu helps qi in the midsection of the body move the right way—up, down, in, or out. When that flow is disrupted, things go wrong: qi that’s supposed to move down instead shoots upward, causing nausea and bloating. Or maybe it moves too slowly, causing constipation. It could also rush through unchecked, resulting in diarrhea. Tian Shu steps in to restore order.
How Tian Shu Helps in Daily Life
In practice, Tian Shu’s role as a qi regulator translates to tangible therapeutic effects. It’s most famously used to support healthy digestion, making it a go-to point for treating constipation, diarrhea, and abdominal bloating. Borborygmus—those awkward, gurgling stomach sounds—can also be calmed by stimulating this point. However, its benefits go beyond the gut.
Tian Shu is also used to relieve menstrual cramps, support fertility, and help shrink fibroids and cysts. Its ability to manage fluid flow also makes it helpful in treating mild edema.
What Science Shows
Modern research is exploring the biological mechanisms behind Tian Shu’s effects. One animal study investigated the effects of electroacupuncture at Tian Shu in combination with the diabetes medication metformin. Rats that received both electroacupuncture and metformin exhibited better blood sugar control, improved insulin levels, and a healthier body weight compared to those receiving either treatment alone. The combination also increased AMPK activity—a protein linked to better metabolism—in the liver while counteracting metformin’s unwanted effects on the pancreas. These findings suggest that Tian Shu may influence how the nervous system communicates with internal organs, such as the liver and pancreas.
Another study explored how warming moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy using dried mugwort) at Tian Shu and Qihai (CV6) helped patients with diarrhea-dominant irritable bowel syndrome. Researchers tested different combinations of treatment duration, frequency, and course length in 233 patients. Across the board, patients improved symptoms and quality of life.
The frequency of treatment had the biggest impact on symptoms, while longer sessions improved the quality of life. The takeaway is that Tian Shu is a flexible and effective point, but its results depend on consistent stimulation.
How to Locate and Stimulate Tian Shu
To locate Tian Shu, start at your navel and move two thumb-widths to the side. It is a bilateral point, meaning you have one on each side of your body. Press around the area and see if you feel any soreness or sensitivity. That’s a sign that you’ve successfully located the acupoint.
Simple Ways to Stimulate the Point
- Firm pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Circular massage: Massage in small circles with your index finger or thumb for one to three minutes on each side.
- Herbal patch: Apply an herbal patch overnight for longer activation.
- Advanced methods: Acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion by a trained professional can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precautions
Avoid stimulating Tian Shu if you have any injuries in the region. If you’re using herbal patches, avoid ones with harsh synthetic ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Bringing It All Together
Tian Shu is the kind of acupoint you’ll want to keep in your personal health toolkit. It’s easy to find, safe to use, and powerful enough to help with a variety of issues—from digestion to menstrual discomfort. You don’t have to believe in qi or memorize ancient Chinese texts to reap the benefits. Whether you’re trying to calm your stomach or regulate your menstrual cycle, Tian Shu is ready to pivot you back to balance.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 17 July 2025
