Stomach Channel (Foot Yangming)

Introduction

The Stomach Channel of Foot Yangming is a key acupuncture meridian responsible for digestion, qi production, and nourishment. It influences conditions related to the digestive system, facial health, and musculoskeletal functions.

Primary Channel Pathway

  • Begins at LI-20 (Yingxiang), ascends to the eye, then descends through the diaphragm.

  • Connects with the Stomach and Spleen, running along the anterior aspect of the body.

  • Travels down the thigh and leg, terminating at ST-45 (Lidui) on the second toe.

Primary Channel Connects with Zangfu

  • Stomach

  • Spleen

Primary Channel Meets Other Channels at Points

  • LI-20 (Yingxiang)

  • BL-1 (Jingming)

  • GB-3, GB-4, GB-5, GB-6

  • DU-14, DU-24, DU-26, DU-28

  • REN-12, REN-13, REN-24

Actions and Indications of the Stomach Channel

  • Regulates digestion, treating nausea, bloating, acid reflux, and appetite disorders.

  • Clears heat and benefits the face, addressing sinus congestion, toothaches, and eye issues.

  • Regulates qi and blood, used in circulatory and neurological conditions.

  • Treats musculoskeletal pain, particularly in the knee, leg, and jaw.

Luo-Connecting Channel Pathway

  • Begins at ST-40 (Fenglong).

  • Joins the Spleen Channel, ascends the leg and thigh.

  • Terminates in the throat.

Divergent Channel Pathway

  • Separates at the thigh, enters the abdomen.

  • Disperses in the Spleen, penetrates the Heart, ascends to the mouth, nose, and eye, reuniting with the primary channel.

Sinew Channel Pathway

  • Begins at the middle three toes, binds at the dorsum of the foot.

  • Ascends the leg and binds at the hip.

  • Passes through the lower ribs, ascends to the spine and face.

Sinew Channel Symptoms

  • Muscle cramps, lower leg spasms, abdominal sinew spasms.

  • Sudden deviation of the mouth (Bell’s Palsy, TMJ dysfunction).

  • Inability to close the eye (cold disorder) or open the eye (heat disorder).

Discussion of the Stomach Channel

The Stomach Channel of Foot Yangming plays a crucial role in qi and blood production. As the most abundant meridian in qi and blood, it is vital in treating digestive disorders, circulatory imbalances, and musculoskeletal pain. The link to the mouth, gums, and nose makes it essential for treating oral health, sinus issues, and facial paralysis. Additionally, the Yangming system’s strong qi and blood supply make it ideal for treating atrophy disorders, weakness in the limbs, and psycho-emotional conditions related to stress and worry.

Explore Stomach Channel Points

Below is a list of acupuncture points on the Stomach Channel, each of which will have a dedicated page:

  • ST-1 (Chengqi) – Benefits the eyes, clears wind.

  • ST-2 (Sibai) – Eliminates wind, clears vision.

  • ST-3 (Juliao) – Reduces facial swelling, relieves sinus congestion.

  • ST-4 (Dicang) – Benefits the mouth, treats Bell’s Palsy.

  • ST-5 (Daying) – Regulates jaw movement.

  • ST-6 (Jiache) – Relieves TMJ, jaw pain.

  • ST-7 (Xiaguan) – Benefits the ears, treats jaw disorders.

  • ST-8 (Touwei) – Clears headaches, relieves dizziness.

  • ST-9 (Renying) – Regulates blood pressure, clears throat blockages.

  • ST-10 (Shuitu) – Relieves neck pain and congestion.

  • ST-11 (Qishe) – Benefits the throat and chest.

  • ST-12 (Quepen) – Regulates qi and alleviates cough.

  • ST-13 (Qihu) – Benefits the chest and alleviates coughing.

  • ST-14 (Kujong) – Relieves pain and regulates qi.

  • ST-15 (Wuyi) – Alleviates chest pain and promotes circulation.

  • ST-16 (Yingchuang) – Benefits the breasts and relieves swelling.

  • ST-17 (Ruzhong) – Landmark point, not needled.

  • ST-18 (Rugen) – Regulates lactation and benefits the breasts.

  • ST-19 (Burong) – Harmonizes the middle jiao and alleviates vomiting.

  • ST-20 (Chengman) – Regulates the stomach and intestines.

  • ST-21 (Liangmen) – Harmonizes the stomach and alleviates pain.

  • ST-22 (Guanmen) – Regulates the intestines and relieves bloating.

  • ST-23 (Taiyi) – Calms the mind and alleviates pain.

  • ST-24 (Huaroumen) – Harmonizes the stomach and alleviates vomiting.

  • ST-25 (Tianshu) – Regulates the intestines, treats constipation and diarrhea.

  • ST-26 (Wailing) – Regulates the lower jiao and alleviates pain.

  • ST-27 (Daju) – Benefits the reproductive organs and promotes urination.

  • ST-28 (Shuidao) – Regulates fluids and benefits the bladder.

  • ST-29 (Guilai) – Benefits the uterus and regulates menstruation.

  • ST-30 (Qichong) – Regulates reproductive health and lower jiao disorders.

  • ST-31 (Biguan) – Benefits the hip and leg.

  • ST-32 (Futu) – Alleviates leg pain and muscular atrophy.

  • ST-33 (Yinshang) – Relieves pain in the thigh and knee.

  • ST-34 (Liangqiu) – Xi-Cleft point, alleviates acute pain.

  • ST-35 (Dubi) – Benefits the knee and alleviates pain.

  • ST-36 (Zusanli) – Boosts energy, strengthens digestion, regulates immune function.

  • ST-37 (Shangjuxu) – Regulates intestines, treats lower digestive disorders.

  • ST-38 (Tiaokou) – Benefits the shoulder and alleviates pain.

  • ST-39 (Xiajuxu) – Regulates the Small Intestine, alleviates pain.

  • ST-40 (Fenglong) – Clears phlegm, treats mental health conditions.

  • ST-41 (Jiexi) – Benefits the ankle and relieves pain.

  • ST-42 (Chongyang) – Yuan-Source point, harmonizes the stomach.

  • ST-43 (Xiangu) – Regulates the intestines and clears heat.

  • ST-44 (Neiting) – Ying-Spring point, clears stomach heat and alleviates pain.

  • ST-45 (Lidui) – Clears heat, benefits sleep disorders.