A quiet but reliable point on the lower abdomen. Wailing (ST-26) moves Qi, eases abdominal pain and distension, and has a particular affinity for gynaecological conditions — sitting at the crossroads of the Stomach Meridian (ST) and the lower belly.
Name & story
The name 外陵 Wailing is made of two characters: 外 wài, meaning 'outside' or 'lateral', and 陵 líng, meaning 'a high mound' or 'protrusion'. The point sits just lateral to the midline, over the gentle rise of the rectus abdominis muscle — a small hill of flesh on the lower abdomen. So its name is essentially a quiet description of its address: the mound on the outside. Simple, precise, and rather poetic in its earthiness.
Point family & character
ST-26 belongs to the Stomach Meridian (ST). It shares its core actions closely with its neighbouring lower abdominal points ST-25 through ST-30, which as a group harmonise the Stomach, resolve Dampness, regulate Qi, and relieve pain.
Five-element dynamics
The Stomach Meridian (ST) is the Yang channel of the Earth element. Where the Earth element governs the centre — digestion, transformation, and nourishment — the lower abdominal points of the Stomach channel extend that influence into the lower belly. ST-26 in this region helps move what has become stuck: stagnant Qi that causes pain, distension, or menstrual irregularity. It is a point that clears and moves rather than fills, bringing flow back to the Middle and Lower Burners.
Location
On the lower abdomen, 1 Cun below the centre of the navel (umbilicus) and 2 Cun lateral to the anterior midline. It sits one Cun directly below ST-25 (Tianshu), and shares the same lateral distance from the midline.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies over the rectus abdominis muscle, on the protrusion of that muscle lateral to the anterior midline of the lower abdomen.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly. Local soreness may spread downward.
Safe depth
1.0–1.5 Cun.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Moxibustion is appropriate at this point — 3 to 5 cones of cone moxibustion, warming needle moxibustion for around 20 minutes, or a moxa stick held over the area for 5–10 minutes. Warmth is especially welcome when Cold is involved in the abdominal or gynaecological complaint.
Functions
Harmonises the Stomach; Resolves Dampness; Regulates Qi and relieves pain. Moves Qi Stagnation in the abdomen and lower abdomen; Addresses menstrual irregularities and dysmenorrhoea.
Indications
Abdominal pain and distension; hernia. Dysmenorrhoea (painful periods) and menstrual irregularities. General lower abdominal discomfort.
Point combinations
ST-26 is often used together with its neighbouring Stomach channel points — ST-25 (Tianshu), ST-27, ST-28, ST-29 and ST-30 — for abdominal pain, distension and gynaecological concerns. This cluster of lower abdominal Stomach points shares the same broad actions and is frequently needled together when the lower belly needs to be moved and harmonised.
Clinical spotlight
What is most interesting about ST-26 is how it is understood as part of a family. The classical source — The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhēn Jiŭ Jiă Yĭ Jīng, 针灸甲乙经) — records it alongside ST-25 through ST-30 as points that together harmonise the Stomach, resolve Dampness, regulate Qi and relieve pain. Its name, literally 'the outer mound', refers to the gentle rise of the rectus abdominis muscle where it rests. Clinically it is valued especially for gynaecological pain — dysmenorrhoea and menstrual irregularity — alongside its broader role in abdominal Qi Stagnation.
The golden tip
If you experience lower abdominal tightness, cramping or period pain, this point can be gently pressed or massaged. It is located one finger's width below the navel and two finger-widths out to either side. Apply firm, gentle pressure for a minute or two. Warmth — a warm pack or a few minutes with a moxa stick if available — can be very soothing, especially for cold-type period pain.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.