A lot of you ask me why I am using certain points on your body during treatment. So I thought I’d start a mini-series on my blog about commonly used acupuncture points. Probably the most used point in my practice is Stomach 36 (ST36) – also known as Zu San Li in Pinyin, or translated to Leg Three Mile. This point is found a hand width below the patella (kneecap) and about a finger-width outside the prominent tibia bone.
Don’t be fooled by the name of this point…it does much more than work on digestion and the stomach.
- Main point for tonification in the body. Tonification is a therapeutic treatment that nourishes and replenishes the qi, blood, yin and yang of the human body when they are deficient or weak. This point is my go-to point for building up the body’s Qi and Blood. These are the main building blocks for your body and its movement. Almost everyone can use a little boost to their Qi and Blood, but especially called for in any condition involving deficiency or chronic illness.
- Helps build up the immune system. This points also tonifies your Wei Qi, or Defensive Qi, and can be likened to helping your immune system. So, treating this point can also help keep you healthy by fending off colds that may be around.
- Relieves Digestive disorders. Of course, it does also work on any digestive disorder. Stomach 36 is considered the Command Point of the abdomen so it helps with a range of symptoms, such as diarrhea, constipation, bloating, gas, distention, and poor appetite, just to name a few.
- Local point for leg issues. As with any acupuncture point, it can be used to treat local issues. These would be issues with the knee and lower leg.
You can treat this point yourself with a simple massage, or by using moxa on this point daily. This is a wonderful form of self-care that is free, quick, effective, and simple to do at home. Help to boost your Qi and Blood and keep your body healthy!