Stomach Meridian of Foot Yangming

Jing-Luo System

Traveling course of the regular meridian

It starts from LI 20 Yingxiang (迎香) on the side of the nose, ascends along the bridge of the nose to the inner canthus, where it meets the Bladder Meridian at BL 1 Jingming (晴明), descends along the lateral side of the nose directly below the pupil from ST 1 Chengqi (承泣), enters the upper gums, emerges again, runs around the lip, meets the Ren Meridian at CV 24 Chengjiang (承浆), passes the lower portion of the cheek at ST 5 Daying (大迎), runs along the angle of the mandible to ST 6 Jiache (颊车), ascends in front of the ear, and reaches the forehead.

The facial branch from ST 5 Daying (大迎), runs downward to ST 9 Renying (人迎), , enters the supraclavicular fossa, descends through the diaphragm, enters (homes to) the stomach, and connects with the spleen.

The straight portion of the meridian arises from the supraclavicular fossa, runs downward through the nipple and the side of the umbilicus, and enters the lateral side of the lower abdomen at ST 30 Qichong (气冲), .

The branch from the pylorus descends through the abdominal cavity to ST 30 Qichong (气冲), , ST 31 Biguan (裨关) and the knee, goes along the anterior portion of the lateral aspect of the leg, and ends on the lateral side of the tip of the second toe at ST 45 Lidui (厉兑), .

The tibial branch emerges from ST 36 Zusanli (足三里), runs downward, and enters the lateral side of the middle toe.

The branch from the dorsum of the foot arises from ST 42 Chongyang (冲阳), descends and ends on the medial side of the tip of the great toe at SP 1 Yinbai (隐白), where it links with the Spleen Meridian.

Traveling course of the divergent meridian

It diverges from the regular Stomach Meridian on the thigh, enters the abdomen, connects with the stomach, and disperses in the spleen. It then ascends through the heart and alongside the esophagus to reach the mouth. After that, it runs upward beside the nose and connects with the eye, before finally rejoining the Stomach Meridian.

Traveling course of the collateral

It separates from the regular Stomach Meridian at ST 40 Fenglong (丰隆) on the lateral aspect of the lower leg, 8 cun above the external malleolus, and connects with the regular Spleen Meridian on the medial portion of the leg. A branch travels from the lateral aspect of the tibia along the trunk upward to the nape and head, where it converges with the Qi of other Yang meridians. From the head it runs downward to connect with, and end at, the throat.

The muscle region

It starts at the middle three toes and knots at the dorsum of the foot.

It ascends obliquely along the lateral aspect of the tibia and knots at the lateral portion of the knee. It directly runs upward to knot at the center of the hip joint and spreads through the hypochondriac region to connect with the spine. Its straight branch travels along the tibia and knots at the knee. Another branch binds at the fibula and meets with the gall bladder muscle region of foot Shaoyang. The straight branch from the knee ascends along the lateral aspect of the thigh, knots in the pelvic area, and converges in the genital organs. It continues to run upward to the abdomen and knots at ST 12 Quepen (缺盆). From there it ascends the neck to the jaw, mouth and side of the nose, and knots below the nose. Upward, it then joins with the bladder muscle region of Foot Taiyang to form a muscular net around the eye — the stomach portion below the eye is called the “lower net” and the bladder portion above the eye is called the “upper net.” A final branch separates at the jaw and knots in front of the ear.

The cutaneous regions

Point System

There are 45 points on the Stomach Meridian, among which the points underlined are commonly used. The range of treatment of the stomach points includes gastrointestinal diseases; disorders of the head (face), eyes, nose, and mouth; mental disorders and other conditions along the meridian course, such as abdominal pain and distension, edema, stomachache, vomiting, sore throat, epistaxis, chest pain, and mania.

ST 1 Chengqi (承泣)

Name: Tear Container, Tear Receiver. “Cheng” means “to receive”; Qi, “tears or crying.” The point is below the eye at the lower eyelid, named as a place for storing and releasing tears.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Yang Qiao and Ren Meridians.

Location: On the face, directly below the pupil when one is looking straightforward in a sitting or supine position, between the eyeball and the infraorbital margin.

Actions: Expels wind, clears heat, and brightens the eyes.

Indications: Redness, swelling and pain of the eye, lacrimation, night blindness, twitching of the eyelids, deviation of the mouth and eye.

Method: Push the eyeball upward with the left thumb and puncture perpendicularly and slowly 0.5–1 cun along the infraorbital margin. As this area is highly vascularized, it is inadvisable to twist and rotate the needle with large amplitude, otherwise bruising or “purpling” around the eyes will result. Moxibustion must not be applied.

ST 2 Sibai (四白)

Name: Four Whites or Four Brightnesses. “Si” — “four” (directions); “Bai” — “white or brightness”. This point is below the eye and is indicated in eye diseases. It is said to improve the vision and sharpen the eyesight in all four directions.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the face, directly below the pupil when one is looking straightforward, or directly below ST 1 Chengqi in the depression of the infraorbital foramen.

Actions: Expels wind and brightens the eyes.

Indications: Redness, pain and itching of the eye, twitching of the eyelids, deviation of the mouth and eye, frontal headache, dizziness.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun. Deep insertion is not advisable and moxibustion must not be applied.

ST 3 Juliao (巨髎)

Name: Great Bone-hole, Large Opening. “Ju” — “great, large, huge”; “liao” — “bone-hole or foramen”. The point is in the large foramen at the junction of the superior maxillary and zygomatic bones.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Yang Qiao Meridian.

Location: On the face, directly below the pupil when one is looking straightforward, or directly below ST 2 Sibai, level with the lower border of the ala nasi.

Actions: Expels wind and drains the collaterals.

Indications: Deviation of the mouth and eye, twitching of the eyelids, epistaxis, toothache, swelling of the face and lips.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun.

ST 4 Dicang (地仓)

Name: Earth Granary. The five grains grow on the earth. The grain enters the stomach via the mouth, as grain enters a granary. The point is located at the corners of the mouth.

Special Group: Crossing Point with Ren, Yang Qiao, and Large Intestine Meridians.

Location: About 0.4 cun lateral to and level with the corner of the mouth, directly below the pupil when one is looking straightforward, or directly below ST 3 Juliao.

Actions: Expels wind, frees the flow of Qi, and alleviates pain.

Indications: Deviation of the mouth, salivation, twitching of the eyelids, facial pain.

Method: Puncture obliquely or subcutaneously 0.5–0.8 cun, with the needle tip toward the angle of the jaw.

ST 5 Daying (大迎)

Name: Great Reception. “Da” — “large”; “Ying” — “to receive”. The point lies beside the artery which receives abundant Qi and blood.

Special Group: None.

Location: When the mouth is closed and the cheeks bulged, the point is located at the groove of the mandibular margin, on the anterior border of the attachment of the masseter muscle, where the pulse can be felt.

Actions: Expels wind, frees the flow of Qi, and reduces swelling.

Indications: Deviation of the mouth, trismus, swelling of the cheek, toothache, facial pain.

Method: Puncture obliquely or subcutaneously 0.3–0.5 cun. Avoid puncturing the artery.

ST 6 Jiache (颊车)

Name: Jaw Vehicle, Jaw Bone. “Jia” — “cheek”; “Che” — “vehicle”. This is the ancient name of the cheekbone or mandible.

Special Group: One of the 13 Ghost Points.

Location: On the cheek, one finger-width anterior and superior to the mandibular angle, in the depression where the masseter muscle is prominent. For ease of point location, have the patient clench their teeth; the masseter muscle will then become prominent. There will be a tender depression with a distending sensation if the point is pressed when the mouth is open.

Actions: Benefits the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), frees the collaterals, expels wind, and clears heat.

Indications: Deviation of the mouth, toothache, trismus, swelling of the cheek, facial pain.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun or subcutaneously 0.5–1.5 cun.

ST 7 Xiaguan (下关)

Name: Lower Pass. “Xia” — “lower”; “Guan” — “pass”, which indicates the zygomatic arch. The point is below it.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Gall Bladder Meridian.

Location: On the face, anterior to the ear, at the lower border of the zygomatic arch, in the depression between the zygomatic arch and the mandibular notch. Locate the point when the mouth is closed. The depression will disappear when the mouth is open.

Actions: Expels wind, clears heat, benefits the ear and TMJ, and alleviates pain.

Indications: Deafness, tinnitus, otorrhea, toothache, trismus, deviation of the mouth and eye, facial pain.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun.

ST 8 Touwei (头维)

Name: Skull’s Safeguard. “Tou” — “head”; “Wei” — “to guard or support”. The point is situated at the angle between the two anterior hairlines like two guards.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Gall Bladder Meridian.

Location: On the lateral side of the head, 0.5 cun within the anterior hairline at the corner of the forehead, 4.5 cun lateral to the midline of the head or DU 24 Shenting.

Actions: Expels wind, clears heat, brightens the eyes, and alleviates pain.

Indications: Headache, dizziness, eye pain, tearing, twitching of the eyelid.

Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.5–1 cun.

ST 9 RenYing (人迎)

Name: Man’s Reception. “Ren” — “mankind”; “Ying” — “to receive or welcome”. The point lies beside the carotid artery where Qi and blood are abundant and pulse diagnosis can be performed.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Gall Bladder Meridian.

Location: On the neck, level with the tip of the laryngeal prominence or Adam’s apple, on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, where the pulsation of the common carotid artery is palpable

Actions: Frees the vessel, descends the adverse flow of Qi, drains the meridian, and benefits the throat.

Indications: Sore throat, asthmatic breathing, Luo Li or scrofula, goiter, hypertension.

Method: Avoiding the artery, puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun. Moxibustion is not advisable.

ST 10 Shuitu (水突)

Name: Water Prominence. The point is located at the neck close to the esophagus and thus helps water and food to pass down.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the neck on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, at the midpoint of the line connecting ST 9 Renying and ST 11 Qishe.

Actions: Descends Lung-Qi and benefits the throat.

Indications: Sore throat, asthmatic breathing, cough.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun.

ST 11 Qishe (气舍)

Name: Qi Abode. Qi refers to the vital energy of the Lung and Stomach. The point is beside the trachea, which can be considered a dwelling place for Qi.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the neck on the upper border of the medial end of the clavicle, between the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Actions: Descends the adverse flow of Qi and benefits the throat.

Indications: Sore throat, asthmatic breathing, hiccups, goiter, Luo Li or scrofula, rigidity of the neck.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun.

ST 12 Quepen (缺盆)

Name: Broken Basin. “Quepen” is the ancient name for the supraclavicular fossa. The location of the point resembles a broken basin.

Special Group: None.

Location: At the center of the supraclavicular fossa, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Disperses Lung-Qi, descends the adverse flow of Qi, clears heat, and breaks through obstructions.

Indications: Cough, asthmatic breathing, sore throat, pain in the supraclavicular fossa, Luo Li or scrofula.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly or obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun. Avoid deep puncture.

ST 13 Qihu (气户)

Name: Qi Door. The point is on the upper chest and acts like a door for Lung-Qi.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the chest, below the midpoint of the lower border of the clavicle, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Disperses Lung-Qi, stops cough, and arrests asthma.

Indications: Cough, asthmatic breathing, hiccups, a sensation of fullness in the chest, chest pain.

Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun. Avoid deep puncture of this point and the following points on the chest.

ST 14 Kufang (库房)

Name: Storeroom. Inhaled air is stored in the lung as if in a storehouse and descends as if through a door into a side room.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the chest, in the first intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Disperses Lung-Qi, stops cough, and arrests asthma.

Indications: Cough, asthmatic breathing, coughing blood, Fullness and pain in the chest.

Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun.

ST 15 Wuyi (屋翳)

Name: Room Screen or Roof. The point is at the mid-chest, like a screen for the chest.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the chest, in the second intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Disperses Lung-Qi, benefits the chest, and stops cough.

Indications: Cough, asthmatic breathing, coughing blood, ullness and pain in the chest, mastitis.

Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun.

ST 16 Yingchuang (膺窗)

Name: Chest Window. The point is like a window in the chest.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the chest, in the third intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Descends Lung-Qi and arrests asthma.

Indications: Cough, asthmatic breathing, fullness and pain in the chest, mastitis.

Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun.

ST 17 Ruzhong (乳中)

Name: Breast Center. The point is at the center of the nipple.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the chest, in the fourth intercostal space, at the center of the nipple, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Descends Lung-Qi and arrests asthma.

Indications: None. The point is used only as the anatomical landmark at the chest region.

Method: Acupuncture and moxibustion are contraindicated.

ST 18 Rugen (乳根)

Name: Breast Root or Base. The point is at the base of the breast.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the chest, directly below the nipple, on the lower border of the breast, in the fifth intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Regulates Lung-Qi, and promotes the flow of Qi and blood.

Indications: Cough, asthmatic breath, hiccups, chest pain, mastitis, insufficient lactation.

Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun.

ST 19 Burong (不容)

Name: Not Containing. The point is on the upper abdomen and treats abdominal fullness, thereby not allowing the area to receive or retain food.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the upper abdomen, 6 cun above the center of the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Harmonizes Stomach-Qi and regulates the middle Qi.

Indications: Vomiting, stomachache, poor appetite, abdominal bloating.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–0.8 cun.

ST 20 Chengman (承满)

Name: Getting fullness. The point is on the upper abdomen. The name implies the function of the stomach in receiving water and food.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the upper abdomen, 5 cun above the center of the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Harmonizes Stomach-Qi and regulates the middle Qi.

Indications: Stomachache, vomiting blood, poor appetite, abdominal bloating.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

ST 21 Liangmen (梁门)

Name: Grain Door. The point, on the upper epigastric region, can be considered the door through which food passes to the stomach.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the upper abdomen, 4 cun above the center of the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Harmonizes Stomach-Qi, regulates the middle Qi, and eliminates food stagnation.

Indications: Stomachache, vomiting, poor appetite, abdominal bloating, diarrhea.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

ST 22 Guanmen (关门)

Name: Pass Gate. The point is close to the opening at the lower end of the stomach, acting as a pass gate to the intestines.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the upper abdomen, 3 cun above the center of the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Descends Stomach-Qi, regulates the middle Qi, and eliminates food stagnation.

Indications: Abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, borborygmus, diarrhea.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

ST 23 Taiyi (太乙)

Name: Supreme Unity. “Taiyi” is the name of a star, and has the meaning of “beginning or origin.” Also, it refers to the center, implying the spleen and stomach.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the upper abdomen, 2 cun above the center of the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Harmonizes the stomach, stops pain, and calms the shen or spirit.

Indications: Stomachache, irritability, Dian Kuang or Manic–Depressive Syndrome (bipolar disorder or schizophrenia).

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

ST 24 Huaroumen (滑肉门)

Name: Slippery Flesh Gate. The name refers to the local soft tissues and muscles where the point is located.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the upper abdomen, 1 cun above the center of the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Transforms phlegm and harmonizes the stomach.

Indications: Stomachache, vomiting, Dian Kuang or Manic–Depressive Syndrome (bipolar disorder or schizophrenia).

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

ST 25 Tianshu (天枢)

Name: Heaven’s Axis, Celestial Pivot. The region above the navel is considered heaven, pertaining to Yang, while the region below the navel is earth, pertaining to Yin. The point is level with the navel, and is like a pivot between heaven and earth. Also, “Tianshu” is the name of a star (the Pole Star of the Big Dipper or the Plough).

Special Group: Front-Mu Point of the Large Intestine.

Location: On the middle abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the center of the location of the umbilicus.

Actions: Regulates the intestines and stomach, promotes Qi flow, and harmonizes the stomach.

Indications: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, borborygmus, abdominal bloating, water retention, irregular menstruation.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1.2 cun.

ST 26 Wailing (外陵)

Name: Outer Mound. The point is at the mound-like muscular prominence of the abdomen.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the lower abdomen, 1 cun below the center of the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Regulates the intestines and stomach, promotes menstruation, and stops pain.

Indications: Abdominal pain, Shan Qi or hernia, dysmenorrhea.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1.2 cun.

ST 27 Daju (大巨)

Name: Gigantic. The point is on the greatest prominence of the abdominal wall.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the lower abdomen, 2 cun below the center of the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Strengthens Qi and consolidates essence.

Indications: Fullness in the lower abdomen, difficult urination, Shan Qi or hernia, nocturnal emissions, premature ejaculation.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1.2 cun.

ST 28 Shuidao (水道)

Name: Water Passage. The point functions to regulate water metabolism and drain the water passage.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the lower abdomen, 3 cun below the center of the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Unblocks the San Jiao or triple burner.

Indications: Fullness in the lower abdomen, difficult urination, dysmenorrhea, infertility, Shan Qi or hernia.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1.2 cun.

ST 29 Guilai (归来)

Name: Return. This point treats uterine prolapse and Shan Qi or hernia, returning the organs to their original place; it also restores menstruation.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the lower abdomen, 4 cun below the center of the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Regulates and tonifies the Qi of the lower abdomen, and regulates menstruation.

Indications: Abdominal pain, Shan Qi or hernia, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, prolapse of the uterus.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1.2 cun.

ST 30 Qichong (气冲)

Name: Qi Rushing. The point is located on the “Qi Street,” where the Chong Meridian starts to rush up on the abdomen and the pulsation can be felt.

Special Group: None.

Location: Slightly above the inguinal groove, 5 cun below the center of the umbilicus and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Actions: Frees Zong Jin or Gathering Tendons, dissipates adverse Qi, and regulates the urinary bladder and the Chong Meridian.

Indications: Abdominal pain, borborygmus, Shan Qi or hernia, irregular menstruation, infertility, impotence, swelling and pain of the external genitalia.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

ST 31 Biguan (髀关)

Name: Thigh Gate. The point is located on the upper portion of the femoral bone.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the anterior portion of the thigh, at the crossing point of the line connecting the anterosuperior iliac spine and the superolateral corner of the patella and the line level with the lower border of the symphysis pubis; when the thigh is flexed, the point is in the depression lateral to the sartorius muscle.

Actions: Frees meridians and collaterals, and benefits the hip joint.

Indications: Lumbar pain, pain in the thigh, numbness and pain of the leg, abdominal pain.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 1–2 cun.

ST 32 Futu (伏兔)

Name: Crouching Rabbit. The prominence of the local rectus femoris muscle, on which the point is located, looks like a crouching rabbit.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the anterior side of the thigh and on the line connecting the Anterosuperior iliac spine and the superolateral corner of the patella, 6 cun above this corner, on the rectus femoris muscle.

Actions: Frees meridians and collaterals, and expels wind.

Indications: Lumbar pain, pain in the thigh, numbness and pain in the leg, Shan Qi or hernia, Foot Qi or beriberi.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 1–2 cun.

ST 33 Yinshi (阴市)

Name: Yin Market. “Yin” refers to pathogenic cold, while “Shi” means “dispersion.” The point is used to disperse pathogenic cold from the knee. Also, “Shi” refers to the short pants that were worn in ancient times. The lower border of these pants is level with this point.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the anterior side of the thigh, on the line connecting the Anterosuperior iliac spine and superolateral corner of the patella; the point is located 3 cun above this corner.

Actions: Expels cold, and frees meridians and collaterals.

Indications: Numbness and pain of the legs and knees with difficult movement, Shan Qi or hernia, abdominal bloating and pain.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 1–1.5 cun.

ST 34 Liangqiu (梁丘)

Name: Ridge Hill. The point is located above the knee on the muscle which is prominent like the ridge of a hill.

Special Group: Xi-Cleft Point of the Stomach Meridian.

Location: When the knee is flexed, the point is found 2 cun above the lateral corner of the patella, on the line connecting the anterosuperior iliac spine and the corner.

Actions: Frees meridians and collaterals, and regulates Stomach-Qi.

Indications: Swelling and pain of the knee, paralysis of the lower limbs, stomachache, mastitis, bloody urination.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 1–1.2 cun.

ST 35 Dubi (犊鼻)

Name: Calf’s Nose. The two depressions below the patella resemble the nostrils of a calf. The point is located in the depression lateral to the patella.

Special Group: None.

Location: When the knee is flexed, the point is located at the lower border of the patella, in the depression lateral to the patellar ligament.

Actions: Frees meridians and collaterals, expels cold, and relieves pain.

Indications: Knee pain, paralysis of the lower limbs, Foot Qi or beriberi.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

ST 36 Zusanli (足三里)

Name: Leg Three Miles. The point is 3 cun below the knee. (Refer to LI 10 Shousanli for further information regarding li — half kilometer.)

Special Group: He-Sea Point of the Stomach Meridian.

Location: On the anterolateral side of the leg, 3 cun below ST 35 Dubi, one finger-breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia.

Actions: Strengthens the spleen and stomach, harmonizes stomach, regulates the middle Qi, dispels wind, transforms dampness, unblocks meridians and collaterals, tonifies the vital-Qi, and regulates the Qi and blood of the whole body.

Indications: Stomachache, vomiting, difficult swallowing, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, mastitis, enteritis, numbness and pain of the lower limbs, edema, Dian Kuang or Manic–Depressive Syndrome (bipolar disorder or schizophrenia), Foot Qi or beriberi, emaciation due to general deficiency.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1.2 cun.

ST 37 Shangjuxu (上巨虚)

Name: Upper Great Void. There is a large void, or gap, between the tibia and the fibula. The point is in the upper part of this void.

Special Group: Lower He-Sea Point of the Large Intestine Meridian.

Location: Three cun below ST 36 Zusanli, one finger-breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia.

Actions: Regulates the middle Qi, harmonizes the stomach, frees the Qi of the Fu organs, transforms food stagnation and unblocks meridians and collaterals.

Indications: Borborygmus, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, enteritis, paralysis of the lower limbs, Foot Qi or beriberi.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1.2 cun.

ST 38 Tiaokou (条口)

Name: Strip Space. The point is in the strip-like space between the fibula and the tibia.

Special Group: None.

Location: Two cun below ST 37 Shangjuxu, one finger-breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia.

Actions: Regulates the middle Qi, soothes tendons, and unblocks meridians and collaterals.

Indications: Abdominal pain, paralysis of the lower limbs, spasm, swelling of the lower leg, shoulder and arm pain.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1.2 cun.

ST 39 Xiajuxu (下巨虚)

Name: Lower Great Void. There is a large void, or gap, between the tibia and the fibula. The point is in the lower part of this void.

Special Group: Lower He-Sea Point of the Small Intestine Meridian.

Location: Three cun below ST 37 Shangjuxu, one finger-breadth from the anterior crest of the tibia.

Actions: Clears damp-heat, and regulates the stomach and intestines.

Indications: Lower abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysentery, mastitis, paralysis of the lower limbs, lumbar pain referring to the testes.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1.2 cun.

ST 40 Fenglong (丰隆)

Name: Abundant Bulge. At this Luo-Connecting point, the abundant Qi of the Stomach Meridian overflows into the spleen through the collateral.

Special Group: Luo-Connecting Point of the Stomach Meridian.

Location: Eight cun above the tip of the external malleolus, about one finger-breadth lateral to ST 38 Tiaokou or two finger-breadths from the anterior crest of the tibia.

Actions: Transforms phlegm and dampness, harmonizes Stomach-Qi, and resolves mental disturbances.

Indications: Headache, dizziness and vertigo, cough and asthma with excessive phlegm, vomiting, constipation, edema, Dian Kuang or Manic–Depressive Syndrome (bipolar disorder or schizophrenia), paralysis of the lower limbs.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1.2 cun.

ST 41 Jiexi (解溪)

Name: Release Stream. Qi flows like a stream into this Jing-River point that is located in the anterior articular depression of the ankle joint.

Special Group: Jing-River Point of the Stomach Meridian.

Location: In the central depression of the transverse crease of the ankle joint, between the tendons of the long extensor muscle of the great toe and the long extensor muscle of the toes.

Actions: Strengthens the spleen, transforms phlegm and dampness, and clears stomach heat.

Indications: Headache, dizziness, Dian Kuang or Manic–Depressive Syndrome (bipolar disorder or schizophrenia), abdominal bloating, constipation, paralysis of the lower limbs.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

ST 42 Chongyang (冲阳)

Name: Surging Yang. This Yuan-Primary point is at the highest point on the foot, where the Yang Qi is abundant and the pulse is palpable.

Special Group: Yuan-Primary Point of the Stomach Meridian.

Location: At the highest point of the dorsum of the foot, between the tendons of the long extensor muscle of the great toe and the long extensor muscle of the toes, in the depression between the second and third metatarsal bones and cuneiform bone, where the pulsation of the dorsal artery of the foot is palpable.

Actions: Strengthens the spleen and stomach, transforms phlegm and dampness, and calms the spirit.

Indications: Deviation of the mouth and eye, swelling of the face, toothache, Dian Kuang or Manic–Depressive Syndrome (bipolar disorder or schizophrenia), stomachache, muscular atrophy, and weakness of the foot.

Method: Avoid the artery and puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun.

ST 43 Xiangu (陷谷)

Name: Sunken Valley. The point is in the valley-like depression between the second and third metatarsal bones.

Special Group: Shu-Stream Point of the Stomach Meridian.

Location: In the depression distal to the junction of the second and third metatarsal bones.

Actions: Dispels wind and heat, frees the water passage, and harmonizes the stomach.

Indications: Swelling of the face, general edema, redness, swelling and pain of the eyes, borborygmus, abdominal pain, febrile diseases, swelling and pain of the foot.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun.

ST 44 Neiting (内庭)

Name: Inner Court. This point, proximal to the web margin between the toes, is flat and sheltered like a courtyard.

Special Group: Ying-Spring Point of the Stomach Meridian.

Location: On the dorsum of the foot, proximal to the web margin between the second and third toes, in the depression distal and lateral to the second metatarsodigital joint.

Actions: Clears heat, resolves dampness, regulates Stomach-Qi and stops pain.

Indications: Toothache, sore throat, deviation of the mouth, epistaxis, stomachache with acid regurgitation, abdominal bloating, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, febrile diseases, swelling and pain of the foot.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3–0.5 cun.

ST 45 Lidui (厉兑)

Name: Strict Exchange. It is the last point of the Stomach Meridian, where the Qi will “exchange” with the next meridian.

Special Group: Jing-Well Point of the Stomach Meridian.

Location: On the lateral side of the second toe, 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the toenail.

Actions: Clears heat, harmonizes the stomach, calms the spirit, and resuscitates.

Indications: Toothache, sore throat, epistaxis, abdominal bloating, febrile diseases, dream-disturbed sleep, Dian Kuang or Manic–Depressive Syndrome (bipolar disorder or schizophrenia).

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.1 cun, or prick to induce bleeding.