Stomach Meridian
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ST-34
Xi-Cleft Point
Needle Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Thigh — Anterior, Thigh — Lateral
Location
2 cun above the upper-lateral border of the patella, on a line between the upper lateral patellar border and the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS).
Main Actions
- Subdues rebellious Stomach Qi
- Removes obstructions from the Channel
- Expels Wind-Damp
Indications
Nausea
Leg pain
Vomiting
Belching
Knee pain
Hiccuping
Knee swollen
Knee stiffness
Epigastric pain
Sour regurgitation
Lower leg numbness
Commentary
Liangqiu ST-34 is the Accumulation-Xi point of the Stomach Channel. It is mainly used in acute and Excess Stomach patterns such as Rebellious Stomach Qi. Typical manifestations are epigastric pain, sour regurgitation, hiccup, nausea, vomiting and belching.
Similar to its neighboring points on the thigh, ST-34 is also able to open the Channel and remove Obstructions, especially of the knees and legs.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經, 3rd Century CE)
"It is needled to a depth of three fen and moxaed with three cones." — Huangfu Mi established the basic needling parameters for this point.
Ling Shu (靈樞), Chapter 12
"The foot Yangming is to be pierced 6 fen deep and remain inserted for ten exhalations." — General needling guidelines for the Stomach channel.
Su Wen (素問), Chapter 24
"The Yangming usually has much Qi and much Blood" — indicating this channel can normally be needled or bled, supporting the use of bloodletting at Xi-cleft points like ST-34.
Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang (備急千金要方, 625 CE)
Sun Simiao recorded ST-34 for contracted sinews with difficulty flexing and extending the knee, and inability to walk.
How to Locate
Identify the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the upper lateral patellar border. Draw an imaginary line between these two points and Liangqiu ST-34 is located 2 cun above upper-lateral border of the patella on the line, in a depression on the vastus lateralis muscle of the quadriceps femoris group.
Caution
The point is typically sore to palpation when indicated for acute conditions. Avoid excessive stimulation to prevent muscle or fascia damage. Located between the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscles near the lateral circumflex femoral artery descending branch—while not dangerous, be aware of local vascular structures. Do not needle if the area is bruised or injured.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely 1–1.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local aching, distension, and soreness around the point, often radiating toward the knee joint. The deqi sensation may spread along the anterior thigh. When treating acute stomach conditions, patients may feel a referral sensation toward the epigastric region. The point is often tender to palpation when indicated for acute conditions.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Recommended
Special Point Classifications
Xi-Cleft Point
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