Stomach Meridian
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ST-39
Needle Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Lower Leg — Anterior
Location
9 cun below Dubi ST-35, about one middle finger-width lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia.
Main Actions
- Regulates the Small Intestine
- Resolves Damp-Heat
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
Indications
Diarrhoea
Borborygmi
Flatulence
Dark Urine
Leg atrophy
Leg paralysis
Mucus in stools
Lower abdominal pain
Commentary
As the Lower Sea point of the Small Intestine Channel, Xiajuxu ST-39 can be indicated for any patterns of the Organ. Typical manifestations include lower abdominal pain, diarrhoea, borborygmi and flatulence.
It is widely used to resolve Damp-Heat from the small Intestine, characterized by dark urine and stools with mucus.
When combined with Shangjuxu ST-37, it is able to treat Painful Obstruction Syndrome of the leg due to Wind-Damp invading the Channel.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Divine Pivot), Chapter 4: Establishes the Lower He-Sea points concept, stating that disorders of the Fu (hollow organs) should be treated at the Lower He-Sea points—"the six fu organs, their qi all emerge at the feet...the Small Intestine's He-Sea point is at Xiajuxu."
Nan Jing (Classic of Difficulties), Chapter 68: "When the fu organs are diseased, treat the He-Sea points." This classical principle underlies the primary use of ST-39 for Small Intestine disorders.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): Describes indications including small abdominal pain, diarrhea with pus and blood, and leg paralysis.
How to Locate
First locate Dubi ST-35 in the depression below the patella and lateral to the patellar ligament. Then locate Jiexi ST-41 in the depression between the tendons of the extensor digitorum longus and the hallucis longus, level with the tip of the lateral malleolus. Draw an imaginary line between these two points and locate Tiaokou ST-38 in the midway and one middle finger-width lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia. Xiajuxu ST-39 is in a depression 1 cun below ST-38.
Caution
Located in the tibialis anterior muscle with the anterior tibial artery and deep peroneal nerve nearby at deeper levels. While not classified as a dangerous point, practitioners should be aware of the neurovascular structures when needling deeply. The superficial peroneal nerve branches are also present in this area. Standard perpendicular needling to recommended depths is safe for most patients.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely 1–1.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distending and aching sensation locally, often radiating along the anterior lower leg toward the ankle. Some patients may feel the sensation traveling upward toward the knee or inward toward the tibial region. A sense of heaviness in the leg is common with proper deqi.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Organ & Tissue Associations
Lower He-Sea Point for:
Small Intestine
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