Stomach Channel

Jiexi ST-41

Chinese: 解溪

Pinyin: Jiě Xī

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. 

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.

Main actions

  1. Clears Stomach Heat
  2. Calms the Mind
  3. Removes Obstructions from the Channel

Indications

Fear Fever Thirst Anxiety Weeping Red face Red eyes Belching Sciatica Dizziness Drop foot Ankle pain Heavy knee Sore throat Swollen face Constipation Swollen ankle Manic behavior Hallucinations Epigastric pain Frontal headache Abdominal fullness Abdominal distension

Needling

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.

Commentary for Jiexi ST-41

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.