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Diagram of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian

The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian runs from the head to the abdomen, and from the abdomen to the foot. This meridian is abundant in both Qi (vital energy) and Blood. It originates at Chengqi (ST1) and terminates at Lidui (ST45), totaling forty-five acupoints on each side, ninety in total for both sides. The circumference of the stomach is one chi five cun, and its length when straightened out is two chi six cun.

The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian begins beside the nose. At Jingming (BL1), it runs parallel with the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian and the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian; this is the intersection point of five meridians: Foot-Yangming, Foot-Taiyang, Foot-Shaoyang, Hand-Yangming, and Hand-Taiyang. It then passes above the zygomatic bone, follows an oblique path to Chengqi (ST1), and below the pupil is Sibai (ST2), followed by Juliao (ST3). It enters the upper teeth, emerges to surround the lips, passes through Dicang (ST4), intersects and runs to Chengjiang (CV24), meeting at the lower lip.

Chapter 10 of *Ling Shu* states: The vessel of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian originates beside the nasal alae, crosses at the root of the nose, and runs roughly parallel with the vessels of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. It descends along the lateral aspect of the nose, enters the upper teeth, then emerges, flanking the corners of the mouth, surrounding the lips, and crossing inferiorly at Chengjiang (CV24). ○ Hua Shou (Master Hua) stated: "Po" refers to the nasal bridge. The root of the nose is called "Po". The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian originates at Yingxiang (LI20) on both sides of the nose, ascends from there, intersects at the root of the nose, passes through the area of Jingming (BL1), and descends along the lateral aspect of the nose, passing through Chengqi (ST1), Sibai (ST2), and Juliao (ST3), entering the upper teeth. It then emerges, running along Dicang (ST4), flanking the corners of the mouth, surrounding the lower lip, and intersecting at Chengjiang (CV24). ○ Yingxiang (LI20) is described in the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian; Jingming (BL1) is described in the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. Five meridians—Hand-Taiyang, Hand-Shaoyang, Foot-Taiyang, Foot-Shaoyang, and Foot-Yangming—intersect here. Chengjiang (CV24) is described in the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and is the intersection of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian and the Ren Mai.

Chengqi (ST1): Located 0.7 cun below the pupil, in the depression directly below the center of the pupil. It is the intersection of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian, Ren Mai (Conception Vessel), and Yang Qiao Mai. Acupuncture is prohibited.

Sibai (ST2): Located 1 cun below the eye, directly below the pupil.

Juliao (ST3): Located 0.8 cun beside the nasal alae, directly below the pupil. It is the intersection of the Qiao Mai (specifically Yang Qiao Mai).

Dicang (ST4): Located 0.4 cun laterally from the corner of the mouth. Slightly inferiorly, there is a slight pulsation. It is the intersection of the Hand-Yang Qiao Mai and Foot-Yang Qiao Mai.

Subsequently, it follows the posterior aspect of the cheek, passes through Daying (ST5), ascends obliquely to Jiache (ST6), Xiaguan (ST7), and at Kuzhuren (ST7, also known as Tinghui GB2 in some contexts but here referred to as part of the pathway near Shaoyang), it intersects with the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. It reaches Touwei (ST8) at the hairline, extending to the frontal-temporal region. This area is where the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, Du Mai (Governing Vessel) at Shenting (GV24), and the frontal skull meet. It is the intersection of the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian, and Du Mai.

Chapter 10 of *Ling Shu* states: Subsequently following the posterior aspect of the cheek, descending below the mandible, it emerges at Daying (ST5), follows the cheekbone superiorly, passes anterior to the ear at Kuzhuren (ST7/Xiaguan area), follows the hairline to the forehead and skull. ○ Hua Shou stated: The lower jaw is the han; the middle of the jaw is the yi; the area anterior to the fontanelle is the hairline; anterior to the hairline is the forehead and skull. Starting from Chengjiang (CV24), following the posterior yi inferiorly, emerging at Daying (ST5), ascending along the cheekbone to the ear anteriorly, passing Xiaguan (ST7), crossing Kuzhuren (ST7), following the hairline through Xuanli (GB7) and Hanyan (GB5), passing Touwei (ST8), and meeting at Shenting (GV24) on the forehead. ○ Kuzhuren (ST7), Xuanli (GB7), and Hanyan (GB5) are described in the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian; they are intersections of the Hand-Shaoyang, Foot-Shaoyang, and Foot-Yangming meridians. Shenting (GV24) is described in the Du Mai (Governing Vessel); it is the intersection of the Foot-Taiyang, Foot-Yangming, and Du Mai meridians.

Daying (ST5): Located 1.3 cun anterior to the angle of the mandible, in the bony depression where the artery pulses. To locate, look down with shoulders aligned.

Jiache (ST6): Located in the depression at the end of the curved jawbone below the ear. Locate while lying on the side with the mouth open.

Xiaguan (ST7): Located inferior to Kuzhuren (ST7), in the depression below the arterial pulse anterior to the ear. There is a gap when the mouth is closed, which closes upon opening. It is the intersection of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. Kuzhuren is seen in the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian.

Touwei (ST8): Located 1.5 cun inside the hairline at the frontal angle, beside Benshen (GB13), and 4.5 cun beside Shenting (GV24). It is the intersection of the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. Benshen (GB13) is seen in the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian; Shenting (GV24) is seen in the Du Mai (Governing Vessel). This is the intersection of the Foot-Taiyang, Foot-Yangming, and Du Mai meridians. The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian ascends from Daying (ST5) and finally ends at this acupoint, entering Shenting (GV24) and dispersing into the brain.

A branch descends again, passing through Renying (ST9) and Shuitu (ST10), located superior to Qishe (ST11). It runs alongside the throat, reaching Tiantu (CV22) and Quepen (ST12). It runs lateral to the Yufu (KI27) acupoint of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, descends through the diaphragm, connects to the Stomach, and links to the Spleen. It meets at the upper epigastrium (Shangwan CV13) beside the stomach opening, reaching the epiglottis, serving as the "Inhale Gate" (Xi Men). It connects to the Stomach; at Shangwan (CV13), the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian intersects with the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. Descending about one cun leads to Zhongwan (CV12), where this meridian combines with the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian and Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, and also intersects with the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel). Its pathways link to the Spleen, slightly manifesting in the left hypochondrium. Regarding the Stomach, there is no difference above.

Chapter 10 of *Ling Shu* states: A branch starts from anterior to Daying (ST5), descends to Renying (ST9), follows the throat, enters Quepen (ST12), descends through the diaphragm, connects to the Stomach, and links to the Spleen. ○ The high areas on both sides of the chest are called Ying; the transverse bone above Ying is Jugu; the depression above Jugu is Quepen. Another branch starts from anterior to Daying (ST5), descends to Renying (ST9), follows the throat, passes through Shuitu (ST10) and Qishe (ST11), enters Quepen (ST12), runs lateral to Yufu (KI27) of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, descends through the diaphragm, situated between Shangwan (CV13) and Zhongwan (CV12), connects to the Stomach, and links to the Spleen. ○ Yufu (KI27) is seen in the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian; Shangwan (CV13) is seen in the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel), intersection of Foot-Yangming, Hand-Taiyang, and Ren Mai. Zhongwan (CV12) is seen in the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel), intersection of Hand-Taiyang, Hand-Shaoyang, Foot-Yangming, and Ren Mai.

Renying (ST9): Located at the pulsating major artery in the neck, 1.5 cun lateral to the laryngeal prominence. Locate with the head extended. Acupuncture and moxibustion are prohibited.

Shuitu (ST10): Located anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle in the neck, directly below Renying (ST9) and superior to Qishe (ST11), in the middle of these two points.

Qishe (ST11): Located in the neck, directly below Renying (ST9), in the depression flanking Tiantu (CV22). Tiantu (CV22) is seen in the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel).

Quepen (ST12): Located in the depression of the transverse bone below the shoulder. Acupuncture is prohibited.

The main trunk continues from Quepen (ST12), passing through Qihu (ST15), Kukong (ST16), Wuyi (ST17), and Yingchuang (ST18), directly over the nipple, stopping at Rugen (ST18). The oblique branch enters Burong (ST19), Chengman (ST20), Liangmen (ST21), Guerman (ST22), Taiyi (ST23), Haroumen (ST24), Tianshu (ST25), Wailing (ST26), Daju (ST27), Shuidao (ST28), Guilai (ST29), and enters Qichong (ST30).

Chapter 10 of *Ling Shu* states: The direct branch descends from Quepen (ST12), along the medial aspect of the breast, flanks the umbilicus, and enters Qichong (ST30). ○ Hua Shou stated: The direct branch descends from Quepen (ST12), along the medial aspect of the breast, passing through Qihu (ST15), Kukong (ST16), Wuyi (ST17), Yingchuang (ST18), Ruzhong (ST25), Rugen (ST18), Burong (ST19), Chengman (ST20), Liangmen (ST21), Guerman (ST22), Taiyi (ST23), Haroumen (ST24), flanking the umbilicus, passing through Tianshu (ST25), Wailing (ST26), Daju (ST27), Shuidao (ST28), Guilai (ST29), and entering Qichong (ST30). ○ From Qihu (ST15) to Rugen (ST18), the distance from the midline is 4 cun. From Burong (ST19) to Haroumen (ST24), the distance from the midline is 3 cun. From Tianshu (ST25) to Guilai (ST29), the distance from the midline is 2 cun.

Qihu (ST15): Take 1 cun below Tiantu (CV22), 4 cun on either side, slightly inferior in the depression, directly below the nipple. Locate with head extended. Tiantu (CV22) is seen in the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel).

Kukong (ST16): Located 1.6 cun below Qihu (ST15), in the depression, directly below the nipple. Locate with head extended.

Wuyi (ST17): Located 1.6 cun below Kukong (ST16), in the depression, directly below the nipple. Locate with head extended.

Yingchuang (ST18): Located 1.6 cun below Wuyi (ST17), in the depression, directly below the nipple. Locate with head extended.

Ruzhong (ST25): Directly at the center of the nipple. Acupuncture and moxibustion are prohibited.

Rugen (ST18): Located 1.6 cun directly below the nipple, in the depression. Locate with head extended. From Qihu (ST15) to Rugen (ST18), the distance from the midline is 4 cun.

Burong (ST19): Take 3 cun on either side of Juque (CV14), directly at the end of the fourth rib. Juque (CV14) is seen in the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel).

Chengman (ST20): Located 1 cun below Burong (ST19).

Liangmen (ST21): Located 1 cun below Chengman (ST20).

Guerman (ST22): Located 1 cun below Liangmen (ST21).

Taiyi (ST23): Located 1 cun below Guerman (ST22).

Haroumen (ST24): Located 1 cun below Taiyi (ST23), flanking the umbilicus. From Burong (ST19) to Haroumen (ST24), the distance from the midline is 3 cun.

Tianshu (ST25): Take 2 cun on either side of the umbilicus. It is the Front-Mu point of the Large Intestine.

Wailing (ST26): Located 1 cun below Tianshu (ST25).

Daju (ST27): Located 1 cun below Wailing (ST26).

Shuidao (ST28): Located 3 cun below Daju (ST27).

Guilai (ST29): Located 2 cun below Shuidao (ST28). From Tianshu (ST25) to Guilai (ST29), the distance from the midline is 2 cun.

Qichong (ST30): Located 1 cun below Guilai (ST29), above the inguinal ligament ("rat stream"), where the artery pulses visibly. Acupuncture is prohibited. Also known as Qijie.

A branch arises from the lower opening of the stomach, runs along the abdominal interior through Huangshu (KI15) of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, and re-intersects with the main channel at Qichong (ST30), flowing downwards.

Chapter 10 of *Ling Shu* states: A branch originates from the lower opening of the stomach, runs along the interior of the abdomen, and joins at Qichong (ST30). ○ Hua Shou stated: The lower opening of the stomach is the location of Xiawan (CV10). The *Nan Jing* states that the lower opening of the Tai Cang (Stomach) is Youmen (DN15), which is this point. Starting from the connection to the Stomach at the lower opening, it runs along the abdominal interior, lateral to Huangshu (KI15) of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, inside the main channel, descending to Qichong (ST30) to join the previous branch.

Bigan (ST31), Futu (ST32), Yinshi (ST33), from Liangqiu (ST34), between the two tendons above the knee, together with Dubi (ST35) at the knee patella, to Zusanli (ST36), Shanglianxu (ST37), Tiaokou (ST38), Xiaolianxu (ST39), Fenglong (ST40), Jiexi (ST41), Chongyang (ST42), Xangu (ST43), Neiting (ST44), and Lidui (ST45).

Chapter 10 of *Ling Shu* states: Descending from the knee, reaching Futu (ST32), entering the knee patella, descending along the lateral aspect of the tibia, onto the dorsum of the foot, entering between the toes of the middle finger. ○ Hua Shou stated: "Di" means to reach. The lateral thigh is Bi; the fleshy area anterior to the knee is Futu; the crease posterior to Futu is Bigan; the space between the knee joint is Bin; the shin bone is Tibia; the foot surface is Fu. After joining, from Qichong (ST30) descending to Bigan (ST31), reaching Futu (ST32), passing Yinshi (ST33), Liangqiu (ST34), entering the knee patella, passing Dubi (ST35), descending along the lateral aspect of the tibia through Zusanli (ST36), Shanglianxu (ST37), Tiaokou (ST38), Xiaolianxu (ST39), Fenglong (ST40), Jiexi (ST41), Chongyang (ST42), Xangu (ST43), entering Neiting (ST44) between the toes of the middle finger, ending at Lidui (ST45).

Bigan (ST31): Located in the division posterior to Futu (ST32) above the knee. Moxibustion is prohibited.

Futu (ST32): Located 6 cun above the knee, on the raised muscle, centered. Locate while kneeling. Alternatively, 7 cun above the kneecap. Moxibustion is prohibited.

Yinshi (ST33): Located 3 cun above the knee, in the depression below Futu (ST32). Locate while bowing. Moxibustion is prohibited.

Liangqiu (ST34): Located 2 cun above the knee, between the two tendons.

Dubi (ST35): Located below the patella, in the depression of the large tendon among the bone gaps of the tibial tuberosity. Moxibustion is prohibited.

Zusanli (ST36): Located 3 cun below the knee eye, in the depression between the lateral aspect of the tibia and the large tendon. Locate with the foot lifted. Pressing heavily stops the arterial pulse on the dorsum of the foot.

Shanglianxu (ST37): Located 3 cun below Zusanli (ST36). Locate with the foot lifted.

Tiaokou (ST38): Located 1 cun above Xiaolianxu (ST39). Locate with the foot lifted. Moxibustion is prohibited.

Xiaolianxu (ST39): Located 3 cun below Shanglianxu (ST37). Locate with the foot lifted.

Fenglong (ST40): Located 8 cun above the lateral malleolus, in the depression on the lateral aspect of the tibia, corresponding to the shoelace area.

Jiexi (ST41): Located 1.5 cun posterior to Chongyang (ST42), in the depression above the ankle, corresponding to the shoelace area.

Chongyang (ST42): Located at the arterial pulse between the bones on the dorsum of the foot, 5 cun proximal to Xangu (ST43).

Xangu (ST43): Located in the depression distal to the metatarsophalangeal joint between the first and second toes.

Neiting (ST44): Located in the depression between the first and second toes.

Lidui (ST45): Located at the tip of the second toe, approximately the width of a leek leaf from the nail.

Chapter 10 of *Ling Shu* states: A branch descends 3 cun below the knee and diverges to enter between the toes of the middle finger. ○ Hua Shou stated: This branch diverges 3 cun below the knee, outside the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint, reversing course at Chongyang (ST42), walking through Xingjian (LR2), and connecting to the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian.

Chapter 10 of *Ling Shu* states: A branch diverges from the dorsum of the foot, enters the big toe, and emerges at its tip. ○ Hua Shou stated: This branch diverges from Chongyang (ST42) on the dorsum of the foot, walks between the big toe, exits obliquely lateral to Xingjian (LR2) of the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian, follows the big toe downwards, and emerges at its tip.

To connect with the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. Xingjian (LR2) is seen in the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian.

General Verse:
The Stomach Meridian begins at the nose tip,
Then follows behind the cheek past the throat.
Linking the Spleen and connecting to the Stomach,
Flanking the umbilicus downward,
Descending the leg, we know Lidui connects.

Commentary: The Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian originates at the nose tip and terminates at the tip of the second toe. Its branch diverges from Chongyang (ST42) on the dorsum of the foot, enters beneath the big toe, extends eight cun, and connects to the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. Thus, the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian begins at Yinbai (SP1) on the medial side of the tip of the big toe.

Acupoint Verse:
Forty-five acupoints of the Foot-Yangming,
Chengqi, Sibai, Juliao along the meridian.
Dicang, Daying, Jiache stand tall,
Xiaguan, Touwei, Renying face each other.
Shuitu and Qishe connect to Quepen,
Qihu, Kukong, Wuyi, Yingchuang.
Rugen, Burong, Chengman, Liangmen,
Guerman, Taiyi, Haroumen follow.
Tianshu, Wailing, Daju, Shuidao,
Guilai enters Qichong.
Bigan, Futu, Yinshi, Liangqiu,
Dubi, Zusanli, Shanglianxu walk.
Tiaokou, Xiaolianxu, Fenglong,
Jiexi, Chongyang, Xangu, Neiting, Lidui ends.

Verse on Disorders Caused by Movement and Diseases Produced:
This meridian has abundant Qi and Blood.
Disorders caused by movement include yawning, groaning, and darkening of the face.
Shivering aversion to cold, fearing people,
Suddenly hearing the sound of wood causes heart palpitations and fear.
Climbing high to sing, discarding clothes and running,
Severe cases involve abdominal distension and rumbling.
All these diseases are due to Qi reversal.
Diseases produced include mania, malaria,
Damp-warmth with sweating, epistaxis,
Mouth ulcers, lip sores, and sore throat.
Knee and patella pain, abdominal distension and Qi stagnation,
Pain along the chest, breast, Qichong, thigh, Futu, and lateral tibia.
Pain throughout the dorsum of the foot and middle toe.
Excess leads to digestion of food and yellow urine.
Deficiency leads to cold and shivering anteriorly,
Cold in the Stomach causes distension.
When Qi is abundant, heat exists anteriorly.

Chapter 10 of *Ling Shu* states: When moved, it causes shivering chills, frequent yawning and stretching, and darkening of the face. Upon onset, the patient dislikes people and fire, startles at the sound of wood, feels fearful, desires to move alone, closes doors and windows. Severe cases desire to climb high and sing, discard clothes and run. Rumbling and abdominal distension occur, constituting Qi reversal. It produces diseases related to Blood: mania, malaria, warm pathogens, sweating, rhinorrhea, epistaxis, mouth ulcers, neck swelling, sore throat, abdominal edema, knee and patella swelling and pain. Pain follows the chest, breast, Qichong, thigh, Futu, lateral tibia, and dorsum of the foot; the middle toe becomes unusable. When Qi is abundant, the anterior body is hot; excess in the Stomach leads to rapid digestion and hunger, and yellow urine. When Qi is deficient, the anterior body is cold and shivering; cold in the Stomach causes distension. For these diseases: tonify deficiency, sedate excess, treat heat quickly, retain needle for cold, apply moxibustion for sinking conditions, and regulate according to the meridian for neither excess nor deficiency. If excess, the Renying pulse is three times larger than the Cunkou pulse; if deficient, the Renying pulse is smaller than the Cunkou pulse.

Phonetic Notes:
Nie Lu (Sound: Lu, referring to fontanelle/skull)
Tu (Fanqie: Fang-Gu, meaning touch)
Yi Huang Bi (Sound: Bi, meaning thigh)
Bin Du (Sound: E)
Han (Sound: Shun, meaning downward)
Xin (Sound: Xin)
Xi Du (Sound: Han, meaning tibia)
Zhi