Lower He-Sea Points

Point Selection by Organ: In clinical practice, practitioners select the appropriate Lower He-Sea point based on which Fu organ is affected. For stomach disorders (gastritis, nausea, vomiting), use Zusanli ST-36. For large intestine problems (constipation, diarrhea, appendicitis), use Shangjuxu ST-37. For gallbladder issues (cholecystitis, hypochondriac pain), use Yanglingquan GB-34. For bladder disorders (urinary retention, painful urination), use Weizhong BL-40.

Diagnostic Use: These points can also assist in diagnosis. Tenderness or unusual sensations at a Lower He-Sea point may indicate pathology in the corresponding organ. For example, marked tenderness at Shangjuxu ST-37 may suggest appendicitis or other large intestine disorders.

Combination Strategies: Lower He-Sea points are commonly combined with Front-Mu points (on the abdomen) and Back-Shu points (on the back) for comprehensive treatment of Fu organ disorders. For acute conditions, they may be paired with Xi-Cleft points for stronger therapeutic effect.

The Lower He-Sea Points remain among the most clinically important point categories in modern acupuncture practice, particularly for gastrointestinal disorders. Research has shown these points are frequently used in treating conditions such as postoperative ileus (paralysis of intestinal movement after surgery), with studies finding that these three Stomach meridian points account for 44% of acupoint usage in treating this condition.

Common clinical applications include: Zusanli ST-36 for stomach pain and general digestive weakness; Shangjuxu ST-37 for intestinal abscess, dysentery, and inflammatory bowel conditions; Xiajuxu ST-39 for lower abdominal pain and diarrhea; Yanglingquan GB-34 for gallbladder inflammation and bitter taste in the mouth; Weizhong BL-40 and Weiyang BL-39 for urinary disorders and San Jiao dysfunction causing fluid retention.

An important practical advantage is that these points, located on the lower legs, are easily accessible even in patients who have undergone abdominal surgery or have abdominal sensitivity, making them valuable in perioperative care.

The Lower He-Sea Points are organized around one central principle: each of the six Fu (hollow) organs has its Qi converging at a specific point on the lower leg, and these points are the primary treatment sites for that organ's disorders.

The organizing logic follows the relationships described in classical texts: the Stomach, Gallbladder, and Bladder naturally have their He-Sea points on their own meridians because these meridians run through the legs. However, the Large Intestine, Small Intestine, and San Jiao meridians run through the arms, meaning their regular He-Sea points (at the elbow) cannot effectively reach the abdominal organs. Therefore, additional "lower" points were designated - the Large Intestine and Small Intestine connect via the Stomach meridian (since both "belong to the Stomach" functionally), while the San Jiao connects via the Bladder meridian (since both manage water metabolism).

Clinically, these points are selected based on which Fu organ is affected. For example, stomach pain would indicate Zusanli ST-36; appendicitis or intestinal abscess would call for Shangjuxu ST-37 (Large Intestine); and gallbladder disorders would require Yanglingquan GB-34.