Stomach Meridian
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ST-42
Yuan-Source Point
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Foot — Dorsum
Location
Distal to Jiexi ST-41, at the highest point of the dorsum of foot, between the tendons of the extensor hallucis longus and the extensor digitorum longus, directly lateral to the point where the dorsalis pedis artery may be palpated. The point is bordered proximally by the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones and distally by the 2nd and 3rd cuneiform bones.
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Stomach and the Spleen
- Calms the Mind
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
Indications
Streaking
Face pain
Toothache
Depression
Mouth pain
Swollen face
Foot atrophy
Eye deviation
Epigastric pain
Mouth deviation
Foot dorsum pain
Abdominal distension
Foot dorsum swelling
Commentary
As the Source-Yuan point of the Stomach Channel, Chongyang ST-42 tonifies the Stomach and the Spleen, so as to strengthen their functions of receiving and ripening foods as well as transforming them to food Essence, Qi and Blood. As a result, it also regulates the Intestines and the Middle Burner. Typical manifestations include abdominal distension and epigastric pain.
Furthermore, it has a powerful effect in treating Painful Obstruction Syndrome due to Cold invasion in foot, characterized by swelling and pain of dorsum of foot as well as atrophy of foot. In this case, it is often used together with Yangchi TB-4.
Finally, it calms the Mind as well.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter 2 – Ben Shu:
"The Stomach emerges at Lidui... passes through Chongyang. Chongyang is in the depression 5 cun above the instep; it is the Yuan-Source point, found by flexing the foot."
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture):
Lists alternative names including Huiyuan (会原), Fuyang (趺阳), Huiyong (会涌), Huigu (会骨), and Huiqu (会屈).
Taiping Shenghui Fang (Holy Benevolence Formulary):
Indicates Chongyang for mania-depression disorders with agitation.
How to Locate
First identify Xiangu ST-43 in the depression between the base of the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones. Then identify Jiexi ST-41 between the tendons of extensor digitorum and the extensor hallucis longus muscle. Approximately at the level of the tip of the external malleolus. Palpate from ST-43 towards ST-41 and locate Chongyang ST-42 at the highest point of the foot dorsum, lateral to the tendon of the extensor hallucis longus.
Caution
The dorsalis pedis artery passes directly beneath this point. Always palpate for the arterial pulse before needling and insert the needle lateral to the artery. Avoid deep insertion. This point is commonly used to assess peripheral circulation in TCM pulse diagnosis (Fuyang pulse). Exercise extra caution in patients with vascular disease or those on anticoagulants.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.2–0.5 cun. Caution: Dorsalis pedis artery
Expected Deqi Sensation
Localized distension or soreness at the dorsum of the foot. Sensation may radiate along the foot dorsum toward the toes or proximally toward the ankle. Due to proximity to the dorsalis pedis artery, practitioners should feel for the pulse and needle to the side of the artery.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Special Point Classifications
Yuan-Source Point
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