Stomach Meridian
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ST-43
Wood-Mu
Stream-Shu Point
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Foot — Dorsum
Location
On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones, at the level of the junction of the shafts and the heads of these metatarsal bones.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
- Regulates the Stomach and the Intestines
- Regulates the Spleen and resolves Oedema
Indications
Belching
Borborygmi
Swollen eyes
Toe stiffness
Abdominal pain
Oedema of face
Foot dorsum pain
Abdominal fullness
Foot dorsum swelling
Abdominal distension
Commentary
Xiangu ST-43 has various functions.
First of all, it treats Painful Obstruction Syndrome caused by Wind-Heat invasion, characterized by swelling and pain of the foot dorsum or toes stiffness.
Secondly, it regulates the Intestines and Stomach. Typical manifestations include abdominal distension, fullness and pain, borborygmi as well as belching.
Finally, this point regulates the Spleen, thus it removes Oedema, especially on the face.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Chapter on Ben Shu): "The Stomach emerges at Lidui... flows into Xiangu. Xiangu is located 2 cun above the space between the second and third toes, in a depression; it is the Shu-Stream point."
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): "For water retention with fluid accumulation, fullness of the chest and hypochondrium, needle Xiangu and bleed it for immediate relief. For facial swelling and eye abscesses, needle Xiangu and bleed for immediate relief."
Jin Zhen Mei Hua Shi Chao: "Since earth when sunken can contain water, water swelling can be accommodated by Xiangu."
How to Locate
Locate Xiangu ST-43 in a depression proximal to the metatarsophalangeal joint, by gliding finger from toe to ankle between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones. It is more or less on the same level as the junction of the shafts and the heads of the two metatarsal bones.
Caution
The point is located in a relatively thin-skinned area between metatarsal bones. Avoid excessive depth to prevent discomfort. The foot dorsal venous network lies superficially in this region, so gentle insertion is recommended to minimize bruising. In patients with peripheral vascular disease or diabetes, extra care should be taken with needling and moxa application.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely 0.5–1 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the point site, which may radiate along the dorsum of the foot toward the toes. Some patients experience a sensation of heaviness or numbness between the metatarsal bones.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Questionable
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Wood-Mu
Transporting Type
Stream-Shu Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
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