Shangjuxu (ST37)
Shangjuxu (ST37), “Upper Great Void”, is a point on the Stomach meridian. It is point 37 of the 45 on the channel. Lower He-Sea of the Large Intestine: regulates the intestines, clears Damp-Heat and stops diarrhea.
Location
On the anterolateral leg, 6 cun below the patella (3 cun below ST36), one finger-breadth from the tibial crest.
Functions according to tradition
Lower He-Sea of the Large Intestine: regulates the intestines, clears Damp-Heat and stops diarrhea.
Traditional indications
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Appendicitis
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.
Precautions
No specific precautions are described beyond the general ones for acupuncture. Needling must always be performed by a trained professional.
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.
- SP15 Daheng (Spleen): Abdominal pain, Constipation, Diarrhea
- SP16 Fuai (Spleen): Abdominal pain, Constipation, Dysentery
- KI17 Shangqu (Kidney): Abdominal pain, Constipation
- BL25 Dachangshu (Bladder): Constipation, Diarrhea
- BL51 Huangmen (Bladder): Abdominal pain, Constipation
- KI15 Zhongzhu (Kidney): Abdominal pain, Constipation
Point profile
- Code
- ST37
- Pinyin name
- Shàng Jù Xū
- Characters
- 上巨虚
- Translation
- Upper Great Void
- Meridian
- Stomach
- Element
- Earth
- Classification
- He-Sea
- Topics
- Intestine, Digestion
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.
