EXT-16 - Beside the Navel

脐旁 - Qí páng

Point Region: Lower abdomen

EXT

Extra Points

其他穴位 - Qítā Xuéwèi

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the lower abdomen, lateral and inferior to the umbilicus, forming a triangle with Shenque (CV-8) as the top vertex.

Extra points have no international location standard, and Chinese texts number and place some of them differently. This location follows common teaching.

How to Locate:

  1. Locate your navel (belly button)
  2. Place two fingers below and to the side of the navel
  3. Find spots on either side of the lower abdomen
  4. These points beside the navel are EXT-16
(Illustration coming soon)

How to Apply Pressure

When you have located EXT-16 beside and below the navel, use gentle circular rubbing on the skin surface without pressing deeply into the belly. Do not use it during pregnancy, over surgical scars, or with severe abdominal pain of unknown cause, which needs medical care.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Chronic diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Ben tun (running piglet)
  • Uterine cold
  • Digestive disorders
  • Intestinal spasms
  • Menstrual irregularities

Related Health Concerns

Stomach CrampsCold and Flu Onset

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Pregnancy
  • Abdominal surgery scars
  • Severe abdominal pain of unknown origin
  • Intestinal obstruction

Take care:

  • Avoid deep pressure during menstruation
  • Be gentle with digestive disorders
  • Stop if abdominal pain increases