2)阴鼎。阴，水也。鼎，炉鼎也。阴鼎名意指胃经的地部经水在此汇合且不断气化。本穴物质为髀关穴传来的地部经水，经水在此为汇合之状，因受脾土所传之热，地部经水不断气化，故名阴鼎。
气血特征：气血物质为地部经水和经水气化之气。
运行规律：地部经水汇聚本穴后循胃经下行梁丘穴，气化之气则上行天部。
功能作用：汇聚上源经水回流胃经。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻针出气或水针。
注：本穴因汇集的经水多而性寒凉，地部经水较少气化，其功用即为汇聚上源经水并传输给胃经下部经脉，如在本穴施以艾灸则会改变本穴固有的寒凉特性，促使穴内经水的气化，穴内的经水则会因此而变得干少，经水不足也就不能濡养胃经梁丘穴以下经脉诸穴，故而经书对阴市穴作出禁灸的规定。
34梁丘足阳明郄穴。
别名：鹤顶，跨骨。
穴义：约束胃经经水向下排泄。
名解：1）梁丘。梁，屋之横梁也。丘，土堆也。梁丘名意指本穴的功用为约束胃经经水向下排泄。本穴物质为阴市穴下传的地部经水，至本穴后，因本穴位处肌肉隆起处，对流来的地部经水有围堵作用，经水的传行只能是满溢越梁而过，故名梁丘。鹤顶、跨骨名意与梁丘同，鹤顶名意指气血物质通行的道路是从上部而行，跨骨名意则指从上部跨越而行的水。
2)足阳明郄穴。本穴言为胃经郄穴，它是从本穴的功用上而言的。郄穴的特点是善于调治各种急性病，而本穴的特征是屯积的胃经水液，如胃经的水库一般，针刺本穴有水库的开闸放水作用，能最快的调节胃经气血的有余与不足状态，故为足阳明郄穴。
气血特征：气血物质为地部经水。
运行规律：循胃经下传犊鼻穴。
功能作用：约束并屯积胃经经水。
治法：寒则点刺出血或补而灸之，热则泻针出气或水针。
藏象：梁丘穴如同位于胃经经脉中部的一个拦河水坝，针刺时它通过开放或升高拦河水坝来调节胃经上、下二部经脉中的经水量，以此达到改变胃经不同部位的气血比例从而实现调治疾病的。
注：梁门穴与梁丘穴功用相似，何以郄穴不在梁门而在梁丘?此是因为梁门穴所处为肉之小会，为溪，而梁丘穴所在为肉之大会，为谷，梁丘穴所约束的阴市穴内经水较梁门穴所约束的承满穴经水大得多之故，所以梁丘穴为胃经之郄穴，且善治本经急性病。
35犊鼻
别名：外膝眼。
穴义：胃经经水由此经过并带走脾土微粒。
名解：1）犊鼻。犊，小牛也，脾土也。鼻，牵牛而行的上扪之处。犊鼻名意指流过的胃经经水带走本穴的地部脾土微粒。本穴物质为梁丘穴传来的地部经水，为从梁丘穴的高位流落本穴的低位，经水的运行如瀑布跌落，本穴的地部脾土微粒被经水承运而行，如被牵之牛顺从而行，故名犊鼻。
2)外膝眼。外，外部。膝，膝部。眼，凹陷之处。外膝眼名意指本穴为膝外凹陷处，无它意。
气血特征：气血物质为地部经水。
运行规律：经水循胃经下流足三里穴。
功能作用：清刷膝关节中的脾土微粒，保证膝关节的伸缩自如。
治法：寒则泻之，热则补之。
36足三里合穴，属土。
别名：三里，下陵，胃管，鬼邪，下三里。
穴义：胃经气血在此形成较大的气血场。
名解：1）足三里。足，指穴所在部位为足部，别于手三里穴之名也。三里，指穴内物质作用的范围也。足三里名意指胃经气血物质在此形成较大的范围场。本穴物质为犊鼻穴传来的地部经水，至本穴后，散于本穴的开阔之地，经水大量气化上行于天，形成一个较大气血场范围，如三里方圆之地，故名足三里。三里、下三里名意与足三里同，下，指本穴位处足之下部，别于手三里所在之部。
2)下陵。下，下部。陵，土丘也。下陵名意指本穴为胃经气血物质中的脾土微粒沉积之处。本穴物质为犊鼻穴传来的地部经水，经水中夹带大量的脾土微粒，至本穴后，因经水散行于本穴的开阔之地，经水被较多气化，脾土微粒也因之停驻，形成了本穴大范围的脾土堆积之状，故名下陵。
3)胃管。胃，土也。管，管道也。胃管名意指本穴为脾土微粒运送的通道。
4)鬼邪。鬼，与神相对，指地部的经水。邪，水也。鬼邪名意指本穴气血中地部经水偏多则为胃之害。本穴物质为犊鼻穴传来的地部经水，而本穴功用为气化水湿上补天部胃经之气，维持胃经湿热之性，若受以寒、经水偏多，则本穴气化之气少，胃经湿热之性无存，故名鬼邪。
5)胃经合穴。因胃经自厉兑穴起，足三里穴以下各穴的上行之气皆汇合于此，故为胃经合穴。
6)本穴属土。属土，指本穴物质运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴气血的主要变化是地部经水气化于天，变为天部经气，物质的运动无风木的横行、火的炎上、水的润下等特征，只有土的长养特性，故本穴属土。
气血特征：气血物质为地部的稀湿脾土及天部的气态物。
运行规律：地部脾土燥化水湿后固化于穴周内外，天部之气则循胃经上行。
功能作用：燥化脾湿，生发胃气。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻针出气或水针。
37上巨虚大肠合穴。
别名：巨虚上廉，上廉，巨虚，足上廉。
穴义：胃经气血在处于较低的天部层次。
名解：1）上巨虚。上，上部也。巨，范围巨大也。虚，虚少也。上巨虚名意指本穴的气血物质处于较低的天部层次，较高的天部层次气血物质虚少。本穴物质为足三里穴传来的气化之气，因其气水湿较多而滞重，至本穴后所处为较低的天部层次，天之上部的气血相对处于空虚之状，故名上巨虚。巨虚上廉等其余穴名之名意与上巨虚同，上廉，指上部气血物质虚少、廉洁之意。
2)大肠合穴。本穴物质为天之下部的水湿之气，其性及所处层次与大肠经气血相同，故为大肠经合穴。
气血特征：气血物质为天之下部后的湿热浊气。
运行规律：散热缩合后循胃经下行。
功能作用：汇聚天部浊气冷降下行。
治法：寒则点刺出血或补之灸之，热则泻针出气或水针。
38条口
穴义：胃经气血在此形成风气。
名解：条，木之条也，风也。口，气血出入的门户也。条口名意指本穴气血物质以风的形式而运行。本穴物质为上巨虚穴传来的天之下部水湿云气，其量及范围皆大，经本穴的狭小通道下行时是快速的通行之状，如风之运行，故名条口。
气血特征：气血物质为天部风气。
运行规律：散热冷降循胃经下行。
功能作用：快速传输胃经的冷降水湿浊气。
治法：寒则补而灸之，湿、热则泻针出气。
39下巨虚小肠合穴。
别名：下廉，巨虚下廉。
穴义：胃经气血在此处于较高的天部层次。
名解：1）下巨虚。下，下部也。巨，范围巨大也。虚，虚少。下巨虚名意指本穴的气血物质处于较高的天部层次，较低的天部层次气血物质虚少。本穴物质为胃经上部足三里穴及下部胃经诸穴汇聚而成，为天之上部的水湿云气。由于气血物质位于天之上部，天之下部的气血物质相对虚少，故名下巨虚。下廉、巨虚下廉名意与下巨虚同，廉为廉洁，指气血虚少之意。
2)小肠合穴。本穴物质为天之上部的水湿云气，其性及所处层次与小肠经气血相同，故为小肠经合穴。
气血特征：气血物质为天之上部的气态物。
运行规律：气态物质循胃经上行。
功能作用：为胃经提供阳热之气。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻针出气。
40丰隆足阳明络穴。
穴义：胃经浊气在此沉降。
名解：1）丰隆。丰隆，象声词，为轰隆之假借词。本穴物质主要为条口穴、上巨虚穴、下巨虚穴传来的水湿云气，至本穴后，水湿云气化雨而降，且降雨量大，如雷雨之轰隆有声，故名丰隆。
2)足阳明络穴。本穴位处胃经下部，气血物质为汇聚而成的天之下部水湿云气，为云化雨降之处，气压低下，胃经及脾经天部水湿浊气汇合于此，所降之雨又分走胃经及脾经各部，有联络脾胃二经各部气血物质的作用，故为足阳明络穴。
气血特征：气血物质为天之下部的水湿云气。
运行规律：水湿云气化雨从天部降至地部。
功能作用：沉降胃浊。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻针出气。
41解溪经穴，属火。
别名：草鞋带穴，鞋带。
穴义：胃经的地部经水在此散流四方。
名解：1）解溪。解，散也。溪，地面流行的经水也。解溪名意指胃经的地部经水由本穴散解，流溢四方。本穴为丰隆穴传来的地部经水，至本穴后，因本穴的通行渠道狭小，地部经水满溢而流散经外，故名解溪。
2)草鞋带穴、鞋带。穴名当为意解。本穴物质为丰隆穴流来的地部经水，至本穴后如鞋带般散解，喻意经水流行无固定的路线，故名。
3)胃经经穴。经，经过也。本穴物质为地部经水，从本穴经过而无大的变化，故为胃经经穴。
4)本穴属火。属火，指穴内气血物质运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴为胃经地部经水的外散之处，为胃经经水的输配枢纽，由本穴回流胃经的经水多少能最快地改变胃经的火热性状，故而本穴属火。
气血特征：气血物质大部分为地部经水，小部分为经水气化之气。
运行规律：经水散流足背各部，气化之气循胃经上行天部。
功能作用：分流胃经经水。
治法：寒则逆经而刺，热则循经而刺。
42冲阳胃经原穴。
别名：会原，跗阳，会屈，会涌，会骨。
穴义：胃经经水在此气化为阳热之气。
名解：1）冲阳。冲，穴内物质运动之状。阳，阳气。冲阳名意指本穴的地部经水气化冲行天部。本穴物质为解溪穴传来的地部经水，因有解溪穴的分流，传至本穴的经水较为稀少，经水受脾土之热而大量气化冲行于天，故名冲阳。
2)会原。会，聚会。原，本源。会原名意指本穴气化之气为胃经气血的重要来源。本穴物质为胃经经水的气化之气，其气性温湿热，同合于胃经气血之性，为胃经气血的重要来源，故名会原。
3)跗阳。跗，脚背也。阳，阳气也。跗阳名意指本穴为脚背阳气的主要输供之处。本穴为胃经之穴，位处脚背，气血物质为气化的阳热之气，较之足部其它经脉各穴提供的阳热之气为多为强，故名跗阳。
4)会屈。会，聚会。屈，亏缺。会屈名意指胃经经水在此亏缺。本穴物质为解溪穴传来的地部经水，在本穴的运行变化为水液气化，流来的经水因气化而不断亏缺，故名会屈。会涌名意与会屈同，涌指本穴的气化之气涌出穴外。
5)会骨。会，聚会也。骨，水也。会骨名意指解溪穴散解的地部经水有部分会聚本穴。
6)胃经原穴。本穴地部经水的气化之气性合胃经之气血，为胃经气血的重要来源，故为胃经原穴。
气血特征：气血物质为地部经水及气化之气。
运行规律：经水快速气化并循胃经上行天部。
功能作用：燥化胃经水湿，生发阳气。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻针出气。
43陷谷俞穴，属木。
穴义：胃经的地部经水在此聚集。
名解：1）陷谷。陷，凹陷之处也。谷，山谷也。陷谷名意指本穴为胃经地部经水的聚集之处。本穴物质为冲阳穴传来的地部经水，因本穴位处肉之陷处，地部经水在此聚集，故名陷谷。
2)胃经俞穴。俞，输也。本穴物质为冲阳穴传来的地部经水和内庭穴传来的天部之气，天部之气是横向传于冲阳穴，地部经水则下传内庭穴，本穴有传输胃经气血的功能，故为胃经俞穴。
3)本穴属木。属木，指穴内物质运行变化表现的五行属性。本穴的天部之气向胃经的上部传输，其运行方式为横向移动，表现出风木的运动特征，故本穴属木。
气血特征：气血物质为地部经水及天部风气。
运行规律：经水循胃经下行内庭穴，风气循胃经上行。
功能作用：输送胃经气血。
治法：寒则补而灸之，热则泻之。
44内庭荥穴，属水。
穴义：胃经经气在此冷降。
名解：1）内庭。内，里面也。庭，庭院也。内庭名意指胃经的天部之气在此散热冷降。本穴物质既有陷谷穴传来的地部经水又有厉兑穴传来的天部水湿之气。经水由本穴顺流至厉兑穴，天部的水湿之气则急速散热而冷降于地，降地之水局限在本穴之内，气血生于胃经亦回于胃经，如在庭院之内运动，故名内庭。
2)胃经荥穴。荥，极小的水流也。本穴为胃经地部经水回归之处，经水极为细小，故为胃经荥穴。
3)本穴属水。属水，指本穴气血运行变化表现出的五行属性。本穴的气血变化主要为天部之气，由厉兑穴传来的天部水湿之气在本穴处是散热冷降的变化，表现出水的润下特性，故本穴属水。
气血特征：气血物质为天部的湿冷之气及地部的细小经水。
运行规律：大部分天部之气冷降归地，小部分天部之气上炎天之天部，经水则循胃经下行厉兑穴。
功能作用：分清降浊。
治法：寒则点刺出血或补而灸之，热则泻针出气或水针。
45厉兑井穴，属金。
穴义：胃经经水由此回归胃经的体内经脉。
2) Yinding (ST10). Yin refers to water. Ding refers to a furnace or cauldron. The name Yinding indicates that the fluid fluids of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian converge here and continuously undergo qi transformation. The substance of this acupoint is the fluid fluids transmitted from Bikuan (ST31). Here, the fluids are in a state of convergence. Due to the heat transmitted from the Spleen Earth, the fluid fluids at the ground level continuously undergo qi transformation, hence the name Yinding.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substances are the fluid fluids at the ground level and the qi generated from the qi transformation of these fluids.
Course of Movement: After converging at this acupoint, the fluid fluids flow down along the Stomach Meridian to Liangqiu (ST34), while the qi generated from transformation ascends to the Heaven level.
Functional Role: Converges the upper-source fluid fluids and returns them to the Stomach Meridian.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation, withdraw the needle to release qi, or apply aquacupuncture.
Note: This acupoint gathers a large amount of fluid fluids, making its nature cold and cool, with minimal qi transformation of the ground-level fluids. Its function is to gather upper-source fluids and transmit them to the lower meridians of the Stomach Meridian. Applying moxibustion here would alter its inherent cold nature, promoting the qi transformation of the fluids within the acupoint. Consequently, the volume of fluids would decrease. Insufficient fluids would fail to nourish the acupoints below Liangqiu (ST34) on the Stomach Meridian. Therefore, ancient texts stipulate that Moushi (ST33) should not be moxa-ed.
34 Liangqiu (ST34) Xi-Cleft Point of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian.
Aliases: Heding (Crane's Crown), Kuagu (Crossing Bone).
Acupoint Meaning: Restrains the downward excretion of Stomach Meridian fluid fluids.
Name Explanation: 1) Liangqiu. Liang refers to the crossbeam of a house. Qiu refers to an earthen mound. The name Liangqiu indicates that the function of this acupoint is to restrain the downward excretion of Stomach Meridian fluid fluids. The substance of this acupoint is the ground-level fluid fluids transmitted from Yinshi (ST33). Upon reaching this acupoint, due to its location on a muscular prominence, it acts as a barrier to the incoming fluids. The transmission of fluids can only overflow like water crossing a beam, hence the name Liangqiu. The aliases Heding and Kuagu share similar meanings: Heding implies that the pathway for qi and blood substances travels from above, while Kuagu refers to water crossing over from above.
2) Foot-Yangming Xi-Cleft Point. This acupoint is referred to as the Xi-Cleft point of the Stomach Meridian based on its function. Xi-Cleft points are characterized by their ability to treat various acute conditions. The characteristic of this acupoint is the accumulation of Stomach Meridian fluids, acting like a reservoir for the Stomach Meridian. Needling this acupoint is akin to opening the sluice gates of a reservoir, allowing for the fastest regulation of excess or deficiency in Stomach Meridian qi and blood, thus earning the title of Foot-Yangming Xi-Cleft Point.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is the fluid fluids at the ground level.
Course of Movement: Flows down along the Stomach Meridian to Dubi (ST35).
Functional Role: Restrains and accumulates Stomach Meridian fluid fluids.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, perform pricking to bleed or use tonification with moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation, withdraw the needle to release qi, or apply aquacupuncture.
Zang-Fang Correlation: Liangqiu is like a dam located in the middle of the Stomach Meridian channel. During needling, it regulates the volume of fluid fluids in the upper and lower parts of the Stomach Meridian by opening or raising this "dam," thereby altering the proportion of qi and blood in different segments of the meridian to achieve therapeutic effects.
Note: Liangmen (ST21) and Liangqiu have similar functions. Why is the Xi-Cleft point located at Liangqiu rather than Liangmen? This is because Liangmen is located where muscles meet slightly (a stream), whereas Liangqiu is located where muscles meet significantly (a valley). The fluid fluids gathered by Yinshi (ST33) at Liangqiu are much greater than those gathered by Chengman (ST22) at Liangmen. Therefore, Liangqiu serves as the Xi-Cleft point of the Stomach Meridian and is particularly effective in treating acute conditions of this meridian.
35 Dubi (ST35)
Alias: Waixiyan (Outer Knee Eye).
Acupoint Meaning: Stomach Meridian fluid fluids pass through here, carrying away particles of Spleen Earth.
Name Explanation: 1) Dubi. Du refers to a calf, also symbolizing Spleen Earth. Bi refers to the place where one holds the rope to lead a cow. The name Dubi indicates that the flowing Stomach Meridian fluid fluids carry away the Spleen Earth particles at the ground level of this acupoint. The substance of this acupoint is the ground-level fluid fluids transmitted from Liangqiu (ST34). Flowing from the high position of Liangqiu to the low position of this acupoint, the movement of fluids resembles a waterfall falling. The Spleen Earth particles at the ground level are carried along by the fluids, moving submissively like a led calf, hence the name Dubi.
2) Waixiyan. Wai refers to external. Xi refers to the knee. Yan refers to a depression. The name Waixiyan indicates that this acupoint is located in the depression on the lateral side of the knee, without additional symbolic meaning.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is the fluid fluids at the ground level.
Course of Movement: Fluids flow down along the Stomach Meridian to Zusanli (ST36).
Functional Role: Cleanses Spleen Earth particles within the knee joint, ensuring free flexion and extension of the knee.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use sedation; for heat patterns, use tonification.
36 Zusanli (ST36) He-Sea Point, Element Earth.
Aliases: Sanli, Xialing, Weiguan, Guixie, Xiasanli.
Acupoint Meaning: A large field of qi and blood is formed here by the Stomach Meridian.
Name Explanation: 1) Zusanli. Zu refers to the foot, distinguishing it from Shousanli (LI10). Sanli refers to the scope of action of the substances within the acupoint. The name Zusanli indicates that the Stomach Meridian qi and blood substances form a large-scope field here. The substance of this acupoint is the ground-level fluid fluids transmitted from Dubi (ST35). Upon reaching this acupoint, they spread across the open area. A significant amount of fluid fluids undergoes qi transformation and ascends to the Heaven level, forming a large qi-blood field, resembling an area of three li in radius, hence the name Zusanli. The names Sanli and Xiasanli share the same meaning; Xia indicates the lower part of the foot, distinguishing it from the location of Shousanli.
2) Xialing. Xia refers to the lower part. Ling refers to an earthen mound. The name Xialing indicates that this acupoint is the site where Spleen Earth particles in the Stomach Meridian qi and blood substances settle. The substance of this acupoint is the ground-level fluid fluids transmitted from Dubi (ST35), carrying a large amount of Spleen Earth particles. Upon reaching this acupoint, as the fluids spread across the open area, much of the fluid undergoes qi transformation, causing the Spleen Earth particles to settle. This creates a widespread accumulation of Spleen Earth, hence the name Xialing.
3) Weiguan. Wei refers to Earth (in the Five Elements context of the Stomach). Guan refers to a pipe or channel. The name Weiguan indicates that this acupoint serves as a channel for transporting Spleen Earth particles.
4) Guixie. Gui refers to the yin aspect relative to Shen, symbolizing the ground-level fluid fluids. Xie refers to water. The name Guixie indicates that an excess of ground-level fluid fluids in the qi and blood of this acupoint is detrimental to the Stomach. The substance of this acupoint is the ground-level fluid fluids transmitted from Dubi (ST35). The function of this acupoint is to transform dampness into qi to supplement the Qi of the Stomach Meridian at the Heaven level, maintaining the damp-heat nature of the Stomach Meridian. If affected by cold or if there is an excess of fluid fluids, the qi generated by transformation decreases, and the damp-heat nature of the Stomach Meridian is lost, hence the name Guixie.
5) He-Sea Point of the Stomach Meridian. Since the ascending qi from all acupoints below Zusanli (ST36) on the Stomach Meridian, starting from Lidui (ST45), converges here, it is designated as the He-Sea point of the Stomach Meridian.
6) Element Earth. Element Earth refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the operational changes of substances within the acupoint. The primary change in the qi and blood of this acupoint is the transformation of ground-level fluid fluids into Heaven-level qi. The movement of matter lacks the characteristics of Wood's horizontal movement, Fire's upward flaming, or Water's downward moistening, exhibiting only the nurturing characteristic of Earth; thus, this acupoint belongs to Earth.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substances are the moist Spleen Earth at the ground level and gaseous substances at the Heaven level.
Course of Movement: Ground-level Spleen Earth dries out dampness and solidifies around the acupoint internally and externally, while Heaven-level qi ascends along the Stomach Meridian.
Functional Role: Dries Spleen dampness and generates Stomach qi.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation, withdraw the needle to release qi, or apply aquacupuncture.
37 Shangjuxu (ST37) He-Sea Point of the Large Intestine Meridian.
Aliases: Juxu Shanglian, Shanglian, Juxu, Zushanglian.
Acupoint Meaning: Stomach Meridian qi and blood are at a lower Heaven level.
Name Explanation: 1) Shangjuxu. Shang refers to the upper part. Ju refers to a vast scope. Xu refers to scarcity. The name Shangjuxu indicates that the qi and blood substances of this acupoint are at a lower Heaven level, while the qi and blood substances at the higher Heaven level are scarce. The substance of this acupoint is the qi generated from transformation transmitted from Zusanli (ST36). Due to its heavy moisture content, it resides at a lower Heaven level upon arrival. The qi and blood at the upper part of the Heaven level are relatively empty, hence the name Shangjuxu. The other names such as Juxu Shanglian share the same meaning; Shanglian implies scarcity and integrity of qi and blood at the upper level.
2) He-Sea Point of the Large Intestine Meridian. The qi and blood substance of this acupoint is the damp qi at the lower Heaven level. Its nature and level correspond to the qi and blood of the Large Intestine Meridian, thus serving as the He-Sea point of the Large Intestine Meridian.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is the damp-turbid qi after cooling and condensing at the lower Heaven level.
Course of Movement: After cooling and condensing, it flows down along the Stomach Meridian.
Functional Role: Converges turbid qi from the Heaven level and descends via cooling.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, prick to bleed or use tonification with moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation, withdraw the needle to release qi, or apply aquacupuncture.
38 Tiaokou (ST38)
Acupoint Meaning: Wind is formed here by the Stomach Meridian qi and blood.
Name Explanation: Tiao refers to branches of wood, also symbolizing wind. Kou refers to the portal for the entry and exit of qi and blood. The name Tiaokou indicates that the qi and blood substances of this acupoint move in the form of wind. The substance of this acupoint is the damp cloud qi at the lower Heaven level transmitted from Shangjuxu (ST37). Its volume and scope are large. Passing through the narrow channel of this acupoint downwards, it moves rapidly, resembling the movement of wind, hence the name Tiaokou.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is the wind qi at the Heaven level.
Course of Movement: After cooling and descending, it flows down along the Stomach Meridian.
Functional Role: Rapidly transmits the cooled, descending damp-turbid qi of the Stomach Meridian.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for damp and heat patterns, use sedation, withdrawing the needle to release qi.
39 Xiajuxu (ST39) He-Sea Point of the Small Intestine Meridian.
Aliases: Xialian, Juxu Xialian.
Acupoint Meaning: Stomach Meridian qi and blood are at a higher Heaven level.
Name Explanation: 1) Xiajuxu. Xia refers to the lower part. Ju refers to a vast scope. Xu refers to scarcity. The name Xiajuxu indicates that the qi and blood substances of this acupoint are at a higher Heaven level, while the qi and blood substances at the lower Heaven level are scarce. The substance of this acupoint is formed by the convergence of qi and blood from the upper Zusanli (ST36) and lower acupoints of the Stomach Meridian, constituting the damp cloud qi at the upper Heaven level. Since the qi and blood substances are located at the upper Heaven level, the qi and blood at the lower Heaven level is relatively scarce, hence the name Xiajuxu. The names Xialian and Juxu Xialian share the same meaning; Lian implies integrity and scarcity of qi and blood.
2) He-Sea Point of the Small Intestine Meridian. The qi and blood substance of this acupoint is the damp cloud qi at the upper Heaven level. Its nature and level correspond to the qi and blood of the Small Intestine Meridian, thus serving as the He-Sea point of the Small Intestine Meridian.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is the gaseous material at the upper Heaven level.
Course of Movement: Gaseous materials ascend along the Stomach Meridian.
Functional Role: Provides Yang-heat qi to the Stomach Meridian.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation, withdrawing the needle to release qi.
40 Fenglong (ST40) Luo-Connecting Point of the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian.
Acupoint Meaning: Turbid qi of the Stomach Meridian sinks and settles here.
Name Explanation: 1) Fenglong. Fenglong is an onomatopoeic term, a loanword for "honglong" (rumbling/thundering). The main substance of this acupoint is the damp cloud qi transmitted from Tiaokou (ST38), Shangjuxu (ST37), and Xiajuxu (ST39). Upon reaching this acupoint, the damp cloud qi transforms into rain and falls. With heavy rainfall, it sounds like thunder rumbling, hence the name Fenglong.
2) Foot-Yangming Luo-Connecting Point. Located at the lower part of the Stomach Meridian, the qi and blood substance is the converged damp cloud qi at the lower Heaven level, a place where clouds transform into rain. The air pressure is low, and damp-turbid qi from the Heaven level of both the Stomach and Spleen Meridians converge here. The falling rain then distributes to various parts of the Stomach and Spleen Meridians, connecting the qi and blood substances of these two meridians, thus serving as the Foot-Yangming Luo-Connecting Point.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substance is the damp cloud qi at the lower Heaven level.
Course of Movement: Damp cloud qi transforms into rain, descending from the Heaven level to the ground level.
Functional Role: Sinks and settles Stomach turbidity.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation, withdrawing the needle to release qi.
41 Jiexi (ST41) Jing-River Point, Element Fire.
Aliases: Caoxiedai (Straw Sandal Strap), Xiedai (Sandal Strap).
Acupoint Meaning: Ground-level fluid fluids of the Stomach Meridian scatter and flow in all directions here.
Name Explanation: 1) Jiexi. Jie means to scatter. Xi refers to fluid fluids flowing on the ground. The name Jiexi indicates that the ground-level fluid fluids of the Stomach Meridian scatter from this acupoint and flow outward in all directions. The substance of this acupoint is the ground-level fluid fluids transmitted from Fenglong (ST40). Upon reaching this acupoint, due to the narrow passage, the ground-level fluid fluids overflow and scatter outside the meridian, hence the name Jiexi.
2) Caoxiedai and Xiedai. These names are interpretive. The substance of this acupoint is the ground-level fluid fluids flowing from Fenglong (ST40). Upon reaching this acupoint, it scatters like a sandal strap, implying that the flow of fluid fluids has no fixed route, hence the name.
3) Jing-River Point of the Stomach Meridian. Jing means to pass through. The substance of this acupoint is ground-level fluid fluids that pass through without significant change, thus serving as the Jing-River point of the Stomach Meridian.
4) Element Fire. Element Fire refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the operational changes of substances within the acupoint. This acupoint is the site of outward scattering of ground-level fluid fluids of the Stomach Meridian and serves as the distribution hub for these fluids. The amount of fluid fluids returning to the Stomach Meridian from this acupoint can most rapidly alter the fiery nature of the Stomach Meridian; therefore, this acupoint belongs to Fire.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: Most of the substance is ground-level fluid fluids, with a small portion being qi generated from fluid transformation.
Course of Movement: Fluid fluids scatter to various parts of the dorsum of the foot, while the generated qi ascends along the Stomach Meridian to the Heaven level.
Functional Role: Diverts Stomach Meridian fluid fluids.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, needle against the direction of the meridian; for heat patterns, needle along the direction of the meridian.
42 Chongyang (ST42) Yuan-Source Point of the Stomach Meridian.
Aliases: Huiyuan, Fuyang, Huiqu, Huiyong, Huigu.
Acupoint Meaning: Stomach Meridian fluid fluids transform into Yang-heat qi here.
Name Explanation: 1) Chongyang. Chong refers to the motion of substances within the acupoint. Yang refers to Yang qi. The name Chongyang indicates that the ground-level fluid fluids of this acupoint transform and rush upwards to the Heaven level. The substance of this acupoint is the ground-level fluid fluids transmitted from Jiexi (ST41). Due to diversion at Jiexi, the fluid fluids arriving here are relatively scarce. However, heated by Spleen Earth, they undergo massive qi transformation and rush upwards to the Heaven level, hence the name Chongyang.
2) Huiyuan. Hui means to gather. Yuan means source. The name Huiyuan indicates that the qi generated from transformation at this acupoint is an important source of Stomach Meridian qi and blood. The substance is the qi generated from the transformation of Stomach Meridian fluid fluids. Its nature is warm, damp, and hot, consistent with the nature of Stomach Meridian qi and blood, serving as an important source, hence the name Huiyuan.
3) Fuyang. Fu refers to the dorsum of the foot. Yang refers to Yang qi. The name Fuyang indicates that this acupoint is the main supply site for Yang qi on the dorsum of the foot. As a Stomach Meridian acupoint located on the dorsum of the foot, its substance is transformed Yang-heat qi, which is more abundant and stronger than the Yang-heat qi provided by other acupoints on the foot meridians, hence the name Fuyang.
4) Huiqu. Hui means to gather. Qu means deficiency or lack. The name Huiqu indicates that Stomach Meridian fluid fluids become deficient here. The substance is the ground-level fluid fluids transmitted from Jiexi (ST41). Within this acupoint, the fluid undergoes transformation. The incoming fluid fluids constantly become deficient due to transformation, hence the name Huiqu. Huiyong shares the same meaning; Yong refers to the qi of transformation surging out of the acupoint.
5) Huigu. Hui means to gather. Gu refers to water. The name Huigu indicates that some of the scattered ground-level fluid fluids from Jiexi (ST41) converge at this acupoint.
6) Yuan-Source Point of the Stomach Meridian. The qi generated from the transformation of ground-level fluid fluids at this acupoint matches the nature of Stomach Meridian qi and blood, serving as an important source, thus designated as the Yuan-Source point of the Stomach Meridian.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substances are ground-level fluid fluids and qi generated from transformation.
Course of Movement: Fluid fluids undergo rapid qi transformation and ascend along the Stomach Meridian to the Heaven level.
Functional Role: Dries Stomach Meridian dampness and generates Yang qi.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation, withdrawing the needle to release qi.
43 Xangu (ST43) Shu-Stream Point, Element Wood.
Acupoint Meaning: Ground-level fluid fluids of the Stomach Meridian gather here.
Name Explanation: 1) Xangu. Xian refers to a depression. Gu refers to a valley. The name Xangu indicates that this acupoint is the gathering place for ground-level fluid fluids of the Stomach Meridian. The substance of this acupoint is the ground-level fluid fluids transmitted from Chongyang (ST42). Due to its location in a muscular depression, the ground-level fluid fluids gather here, hence the name Xangu.
2) Shu-Stream Point of the Stomach Meridian. Shu means to transport. The substance of this acupoint includes ground-level fluid fluids transmitted from Chongyang (ST42) and Heaven-level qi transmitted from Neiting (ST44). The Heaven-level qi transfers horizontally to Chongyang, while the ground-level fluid fluids descend to Neiting. This acupoint has the function of transporting Stomach Meridian qi and blood, thus serving as the Shu-Stream point of the Stomach Meridian.
3) Element Wood. Element Wood refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the operational changes of substances within the acupoint. The Heaven-level qi of this acupoint transports towards the upper part of the Stomach Meridian. Its mode of movement is horizontal, exhibiting the dynamic characteristics of Wind-Wood; thus, this acupoint belongs to Wood.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substances are ground-level fluid fluids and Heaven-level wind qi.
Course of Movement: Fluid fluids flow down along the Stomach Meridian to Neiting (ST44), while wind qi ascends along the Stomach Meridian.
Functional Role: Transports Stomach Meridian qi and blood.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, use tonification and moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation.
44 Neiting (ST44) Ying-Spring Point, Element Water.
Acupoint Meaning: Stomach Meridian qi cools and descends here.
Name Explanation: 1) Neiting. Nei means inside. Ting means courtyard. The name Neiting indicates that the Heaven-level qi of the Stomach Meridian dissipates heat and cools down here. The substance of this acupoint includes ground-level fluid fluids transmitted from Xangu (ST43) and Heaven-level damp qi transmitted from Lidui (ST45). Fluid fluids flow smoothly from this acupoint to Lidui (ST45), while the Heaven-level damp qi rapidly dissipates heat and cools down to the ground. The cooled water is confined within this acupoint. Qi and blood born in the Stomach Meridian return to the Stomach Meridian, moving like within a courtyard, hence the name Neiting.
2) Ying-Spring Point of the Stomach Meridian. Ying refers to a very small stream. This acupoint is the return site for ground-level fluid fluids of the Stomach Meridian. The fluid fluids are extremely fine, thus serving as the Ying-Spring point of the Stomach Meridian.
3) Element Water. Element Water refers to the Five Elements attribute manifested by the operational changes of qi and blood within the acupoint. The primary change in the qi and blood of this acupoint involves the Heaven-level qi. The Heaven-level damp qi transmitted from Lidui (ST45) undergoes cooling and descent at this acupoint, exhibiting the moistening and downward characteristic of Water; thus, this acupoint belongs to Water.
Qi and Blood Characteristics: The substances are the cold-damp qi at the Heaven level and the fine fluid fluids at the ground level.
Course of Movement: Most of the Heaven-level qi cools and descends to the ground, a small portion ascends further to the highest Heaven level, and fluid fluids flow down along the Stomach Meridian to Lidui (ST45).
Functional Role: Separates the clear from the turbid.
Treatment Method: For cold patterns, prick to bleed or use tonification with moxibustion; for heat patterns, use sedation, withdrawing the needle to release qi, or apply aquacupuncture.
45 Lidui (ST45) Jing-Well Point, Element Metal.
Acupoint Meaning: Stomach Meridian fluid fluids return to the interior channels of the Stomach Meridian from here.