Stomach Meridian
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ST-31
Needle Depth
1–2 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Thigh — Anterior
Location
Directly below the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS), at the level of the lower border of the pubic symphysis, in the depression on the lateral side of sartorius muscle when the thigh is flex.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
- Expels Wind and Dampness
Indications
Hip pain
Leg pain
Knee pain
Hemiplegia
Thigh pain
Leg atrophy
Wind-stroke
Leg numbness
Knee stiffness
Thigh contraction
Multiple sclerosis
Commentary
Biguan ST-31 is a very important point indicated for Painful Obstruction Syndrome, Atrophy Syndrome or sequelae of Wind-stroke of the leg, hip, thigh and knee.
Therefore, it is widely used to enhance the leg and stimulate leg movement, especially the raising of the leg.
In order to have the treatment affecting the whole leg, it is ideal if the needling sensation radiates all the way down the leg, or at least past the knee.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (灵枢·经脉): The Stomach channel of Foot Yangming "descends to the Biguan (thigh gate), reaches Futu, descends to the knee..." This describes the channel pathway through the thigh region where ST-31 is located.
Jia Yi Jing (针灸甲乙经): Lists ST-31 for treating conditions of the thigh and lower extremities, establishing its classical role as a local point for leg disorders.
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (针灸大成): Describes ST-31's indications including lumbar pain, knee coldness, wei-bi syndromes (atrophy and painful obstruction), and abdominal pain.
How to Locate
The sartorius muscle originates at the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and crosses the thigh towards the medial aspect of the knee. With the knee and hip slightly flexed and with active lateral rotation, it can be isolated easier. Biguan ST-31 is located on the lateral border of the muscle, at the crossing point of a vertical line connecting the ASIS and the lateral upper border of the patella and a horizontal line at the level of the lower border of the pubic symphysis.
Caution
The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve runs through this area. Avoid excessive manipulation in patients with known lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis. Deep structures include branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and vein. Standard perpendicular insertion to 1-2 cun is generally safe in most patients.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Deep
Standard Depth
1–2 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–2 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and soreness around the thigh, with sensation potentially radiating downward toward the knee. Deep needling may produce a sensation of heaviness in the anterior thigh region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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