Stomach meridian

ST-36 (Zúsānlǐ, 足三里) — Leg Three Miles

Meridian
Stomach (ST)
Anatomical view
anterior
Point classification
He-sea and Earth point of the Stomach; command point of the abdomen; Sea of Water and Grain point.
Depth reference
1.0-2.0 cun perpendicular
Moxibustion
Not established in checked point-specific sources.
Reference aliases
ST36; Zusanli; 足三里; Leg Three Miles

Anatomical location

On the anterior leg, on the line from ST-35 to ST-41, 3 B-cun below ST-35 on the tibialis anterior muscle.

Traditional actions

Strengthens qi and blood; harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach; supports defensive qi; activates the leg channel.

Recorded indications

Primary: Abdominal pain or distention; nausea; vomiting; poor appetite; diarrhea or constipation.

Secondary: Fatigue; weakness; dizziness; knee or leg pain; cough or wheezing in deficiency patterns.

How to read this reference

AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.

Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.

Sources

References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region ST36, p. 64
  2. Acupuncture.Com Acupuncture Point Reference Stomach 36

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST-36 located?

On the anterior leg, on the line from ST-35 to ST-41, 3 B-cun below ST-35 on the tibialis anterior muscle.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for ST-36?

Strengthens qi and blood; harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach; supports defensive qi; activates the leg channel. The dataset lists these primary indications: Abdominal pain or distention; nausea; vomiting; poor appetite; diarrhea or constipation. Secondary indications are recorded as: Fatigue; weakness; dizziness; knee or leg pain; cough or wheezing in deficiency patterns.

Is ST-36 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify ST-36 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.