Zusanli (ST36)
Zusanli (ST36), “Leg Three Miles”, is a point on the Stomach meridian. It is point 36 of the 45 on the channel. The most important tonification point.
Location
3 cun below the lateral depression of the patella (ST35), one finger-width lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia.
Functions according to tradition
The most important tonification point. Tonifies Qi and Blood, strengthens Spleen and Stomach, boosts immunity, nourishes Yin, calms the mind.
Traditional indications
- Chronic fatigue
- Digestive problems
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Knee pain
- Immune weakness
Indications described by tradition; they do not amount to proven clinical effectiveness for each one.
What its classification means
Last of the transport points, near the elbow or knee: the Qi “goes deep” and joins the organ. It has been used for disorders of the fu organs and the Stomach.
It belongs to the small group of points that tradition associates with an entire region of the body (Zusanli with the abdomen, Weizhong with the back, Lieque with the head and nape, Hegu with the face and mouth…).
Precautions
Very safe point. Avoid deep needling that could reach the deep peroneal nerve or the anterior tibial vessels.
Points on other channels with similar indications
They share several traditional indications with this point. Comparing them helps understand why one or the other is chosen.
- SP3 Taibai (Spleen): Diarrhea, Knee pain, Vomiting
- BL21 Weishu (Bladder): Nausea, Vomiting
- SP4 Gongsun (Spleen): Diarrhea, Nausea
- SP9 Yinlingquan (Spleen): Diarrhea, Knee pain
- LV14 Qimen (Liver): Diarrhea, Vomiting
- BL19 Danshu (Bladder): Nausea
Point profile
- Code
- ST36
- Pinyin name
- Zú Sān Lǐ
- Characters
- 足三里
- Translation
- Leg Three Miles
- Meridian
- Stomach
- Element
- Earth
- Classification
- He-Sea, Command point
- Topics
- Tonify Qi, Digestion, Immunity
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
