Another very important and commonly used acupuncture point is Stomach 36. This is also called Zu San Li in Chinese, which translates to “leg three miles.” The name derives from a Chinese legend about a weary traveler being energized enough to walk three extra miles after the stimulation of this point.
This point is located on the outside of the leg, near the shin, a hand’s width below the knee. This is a main acupuncture point for overall balance. It affects the digestive system (the stomach and the spleen in Chinese medicine), it resolves dampness that may include diarrhea, mucous, yeast, cholesterol issues, etc. A calming point, it supports overall energy, helping to strengthen blood and fluid in the body and also clears excess heat. Stomach 36 can aid in the reduction of pain and help restore consciousness in the case of fainting.
This point is often essential in treatment plans. Stomach 36 can be very sensitive and reactive when needled, creating electrical and tingling sensations down the leg.
Common conditions utilizing this point include epigastric pain, nausea, vomiting, hiccups, belching, fullness and dissension of the chest and abdomen, hunger pangs, hunger without the desire to eat, poor appetite, difficult digestion, gas, diarrhea, edema, abdominal pain with difficulty urinating, shortness of breath with coughing, dizziness, postpartum blood deficiency, tinnitus, hypertension, palpitations, mania/depression, anger, fright, tendency towards sadness, agitation, throat obstruction, chills, fever, headache especially located on the forehead, loss of consciousness, breast abscess, knee and shin pain, thigh pain, hemiplegia, muscle pain, lumbar pain with the inability to turn, and mental disorders. As you can see, this is a workhorse of a pressure point!
If you have had acupuncture, chances are the practitioner used this point in your treatment. Acupuncture is an amazing modality for both maintenance and treatment of specific health conditions. Many insurances cover acupuncture or offer discounted rates.
To use an old acupuncturist joke: Give acupuncture a stab! (I promise, we never stab our patients! The needles go in with ease and grace to restore and maintain healthfulness.)
Contributor
Acupuncturist, herbalist, Maya abdominal practitioner, and reflexologist Christina Morris is the founder of Element Natural Healing Arts. Writing about health and wellness gives her an outlet to express her care and concern for her beloved community. She believes everyone can achieve better health and happiness–emotionally, physically, mentally, and spiritually.