Stomach Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
ST-41
Fire-Huo
River-Jing Point
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Ankle, Foot — Dorsum
Location
At the junction of the dorsum of the foot and leg, between the tendons of extensor digitorum and the extensor hallucis longus muscle. Approximately at the level of the tip of the external malleolus.
Main Actions
- Clears Stomach Heat
- Calms the Mind
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
Indications
Commentary
Jiexi ST-41's main function is to treat Painful Obstruction Syndrome caused by Damp-Cold invasion, especially in ankles, knees or foot. Actually, it is widely indicated for multiple sclerosis that the patient has difficult to walk.
On the other hand, it also clears Stomach Heat, characterized by epigastric pain, headache, sore throat and thirst.
Finally, it calms the Mind by descending Heat from the head. Typical manifestations are manic behavior, agitation, weeping, fright and hallucination.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter 2 - Ben Shu: First recorded the point name and its classification as the Jing-River point of the Stomach channel.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Febrile disease with absence of sweating, frequent belching, abdominal distension and fullness, Stomach heat with delirious speech - Jiexi governs these."
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Governs wind, facial puffiness, dark complexion, counterflow Qi surging upward, abdominal distension, difficulty with bowel movements, fright and convulsions, knee and leg swelling, cramping, dizziness, headache, mania, vexation of the heart, and sorrowful weeping."
Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): "Jiexi governs mouth pain and tongue biting; governs large abdomen with heaviness below; governs convulsions with fright; governs knee heaviness, leg cramps, and damp bi-syndrome. White membrane covering the eye like pearls with inability to see - Jiexi governs this."
Bai Zheng Fu (Ode of a Hundred Symptoms): "For fright palpitations and restlessness, select Yangjiao and Jiexi without error."
How to Locate
The tendon of the extensor hallucis longus muscle gets more obvious when the big toe is extended against resistance. Located Jiexi ST-41 lateral to this tendon, in an distinct depression on the level of the tip of the lateral malleolus and ankle joint space.
Caution
The anterior tibial artery, vein, and deep peroneal nerve lie deep to this point. While not classified as a dangerous point, practitioners should use appropriate needle depth and angle to avoid these structures. The area can be sensitive in patients with ankle injuries or inflammation. When needling obliquely to connect with adjacent points (SP-5 or GB-40), care should be taken not to penetrate too deeply.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun vertically or obliquely deep to the tendons in a medial direction towards Shangqiu SP-5 or in a lateral direction towards Qiuxu GB-40. Caution: Tibial artery/vein/nerve lie deep to this point.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the ankle, which may spread throughout the entire ankle joint. When needled obliquely toward SP-5 or GB-40, sensation may radiate along the foot dorsum. Some patients experience a dull aching sensation extending toward the toes.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Questionable
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Fire-Huo
Transporting Type
River-Jing Point
Mother-Child Role
Mother (Tonifying)
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians