Xiangu (ST43)
Xiangu (ST43), “Sunken Valley”, is a point on the Stomach meridian. It is point 43 of the 45 on the channel. Shu-Stream of the Stomach: transforms Dampness, reduces oedema and eases abdominal pain.
Location
On the dorsum of the foot, between the second and third metatarsals, in the depression proximal to the metatarsophalangeal joint.
Functions according to tradition
Shu-Stream of the Stomach: transforms Dampness, reduces oedema and eases abdominal pain.
Traditional indications
- Facial oedema
- Borborygmus
- Abdominal pain
- Swollen foot
- Fever
Indications described by tradition; they do not amount to proven clinical effectiveness for each one.
What its classification means
Third of the transport points: the Qi “flows”. It is associated with heaviness of the body and joint pain; in the yin channels it coincides with the Source point.
Precautions
The dorsalis pedis artery runs just proximal, at ST42: avoid the pulse.
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.
- BL48 Yanggang (Bladder): Abdominal pain, Borborygmus
- LI8 Xialian (Large Intestine): Abdominal pain, Borborygmus
- LI9 Shanglian (Large Intestine): Abdominal pain, Borborygmus
- CV9 Shuifen (Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)): Borborygmus
- SP17 Shidou (Spleen): Borborygmus
- BL16 Dushu (Bladder): Abdominal pain
Point profile
- Code
- ST43
- Pinyin name
- Xiàn Gǔ
- Characters
- 陷谷
- Translation
- Sunken Valley
- Meridian
- Stomach
- Element
- Earth
- Classification
- Shu-Stream
- Topics
- Oedema, Digestion, Foot
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.
