Stomach Meridian (Zú Yángmíng Wèijīng, 足阳明胃经) is a primary channel in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, associated with the Earth phase, Yang in polarity, interiorly-exteriorly paired with the Spleen. The Stomach channel is responsible for receiving and ripening food and drink, transforming them into chyme, and descending them for further digestion.
| Chinese | 足阳明胃经 |
| Pinyin | Zú Yángmíng Wèijīng |
| Group | primary |
| Element | Earth |
| Yin / Yang | Yang |
| Organ | Stomach |
| Paired organ | Spleen |
| Organ clock | 7am-9am |
| Number of points | 45 |
The Stomach channel originates at LI20 beside the nose, ascends to the inner canthus to meet the Bladder channel, then descends along the lateral side of the nose, entering the upper gum and curving around the lips to meet at Ren24. It then follows the angle of the jaw, ascends in front of the ear to the hairline and forehead. A branch descends from the supraclavicular fossa, through the diaphragm, entering the Stomach and connecting with the Spleen. The main external pathway descends from the supraclavicular fossa, along the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the midline, through the nipple, past the umbilicus, and continues down the anterior aspect of the thigh and leg, terminating at the lateral side of the second toe.
The Stomach channel is responsible for receiving and ripening food and drink, transforming them into chyme, and descending them for further digestion. It is closely related to the Spleen in the process of digestion and assimilation, ensuring the production of Qi and Blood. Its robust Qi supports the entire body, particularly the face, mouth, and limbs.
Disorders of the Stomach channel often manifest as facial paralysis, toothache, sore throat, abdominal distention, epigastric pain, vomiting, and borborygmus. Lower limb issues like pain, swelling, or weakness along its pathway are also common, alongside mental-emotional symptoms such as mania or depression due to Yangming excess.
The Stomach channel originates at LI20 beside the nose, ascends to the inner canthus to meet the Bladder channel, then descends along the lateral side of the nose, entering the upper gum and curving around the lips to meet at Ren24. It then follows the angle of the jaw, ascends in front of the ear to the hairline and forehead. A branch descends from the supraclavicular fossa, through the diaphragm, entering the Stomach and connecting with the Spleen. The main external pathway descends from the supraclavicular fossa, along the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the midline, through the nipple, past the umbilicus, and continues down the anterior aspect of the thigh and leg, terminating at the lateral side of the second toe.
The Stomach channel is responsible for receiving and ripening food and drink, transforming them into chyme, and descending them for further digestion. It is closely related to the Spleen in the process of digestion and assimilation, ensuring the production of Qi and Blood. Its robust Qi supports the entire body, particularly the face, mouth, and limbs.
The Stomach Meridian has 45 acupuncture points, from ST1 to ST45.