Some acupoints capture the spotlight and enjoy widespread recognition, while others, like Assuming Fullness (Cheng Man, ST20), quietly serve their purpose without much fanfare. Its subtlety is akin to that of a dependable neighbor who, without seeking recognition, is always there to lend a helping hand when needed.
While it may not be a household name, understanding and utilizing Cheng Man can be a game-changer for anyone seeking relief from abdominal discomfort. Its reliability and effectiveness make it a point worth knowing, ensuring it will always serve as a steadfast ally on the journey to better digestive health.
What We Know From Classical Texts
Cheng Man is first mentioned in the “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing” (“A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”), one of the oldest surviving texts on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This acupoint is part of the Stomach meridian, an energetic pathway that plays a key role in digestion, breathing, and other functions.
Think of the meridian as a river: the acupoint upstream from Cheng Man represents the rapids, where energy flows quickly and powerfully. Cheng Man, located just downstream, can be likened to a broad, calm pool where qi or vital energy gathers. This accumulation enables it to address a wide range of digestive issues.
Cheng Man can help alleviate minor hiccups and bloating, as well as more serious concerns such as nausea, acid reflux, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is also beneficial when stomach qi is disturbed and begins to move upwards rather than downwards, a pattern often associated with indigestion or poor appetite.
A Nerve-Level Look at Meridian Logic
As TCM gains more mainstream recognition, researchers are investigating the physiological mechanisms behind the effectiveness of acupuncture points. In a spinal cord mapping study of animal models using neural tracers, Cheng Man played an important role in uncovering the biological pathways of the Stomach meridian. The study showed that neurons connected to Cheng Man formed a bead-like column in the spinal cord and projected signals only to others in the same meridian.
Even more compelling, those neurons reached the sympathetic preganglionic neurons—nerve cells that help control internal organs. What does that mean? Stimulating Cheng Man taps into structured nervous system pathways that connect directly to the stomach and digestive organs.
Supporting Weight Loss From the Core
Another study explored how acupuncture affects subcutaneous fat in obese women. Cheng Man was among the points used in this protocol. After one month of acupuncture with electrostimulation and ear acupressure, participants showed marked improvements in body mass index, waist circumference, and abdominal fat thickness. In short, this acupoint isn’t just for when you’re feeling bloated—it’s also a strategic point for shaping abdominal health and targeting visceral fat.
How to Locate and Activate Cheng Man
To locate Cheng Man, start at your belly button. Stack your fingers horizontally, moving up the midline seven finger-widths above the navel. Then measure two to three finger-widths outward from the centerline. You’re aiming for a spot halfway between your nipple and the midline. Press around gently. If the area feels sore or tender, you’ve found Cheng Man. The tenderness or soreness often increases if your digestion’s off or there’s energetic stagnation.
How to Activate
- 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 (a gentle heat therapy using dried mugwort) by a trained professional can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precautions
Skip this point if you have injuries or infections in the area. If you’re using herbal patches, avoid harsh artificial ingredients, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Your Digestive Maintenance Point
Whether you’re recovering from indigestion, fine-tuning your digestion, or targeting stubborn belly fat, Cheng Man has your back—or rather, your front. It works quietly in the background, helping your body restore balance and function without attracting much attention. Think of it as scheduling maintenance for your car—you don’t do it every day, but everything runs more smoothly afterward.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 15 July 2025
