ST31 (Biguan, “Biguan”) is an acupuncture point on the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the anterior aspect of the thigh, on a line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the superolateral corner of the patella. It is located in the depression lateral to the sartorius muscle, level with the inferior border of the pubic symphysis. It dispels wind-damp, alleviates pain and numbness, strengthens the leg and lower back, and relaxes the sinews.
On the anterior aspect of the thigh, on a line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the superolateral corner of the patella. It is located in the depression lateral to the sartorius muscle, level with the inferior border of the pubic symphysis.
Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 2.0 cun.
Dispels wind-damp, alleviates pain and numbness, strengthens the leg and lower back, and relaxes the sinews.
Knee cold and numbness, bi-impediment (painful obstruction), atrophy, inability to flex and extend the leg, tightness of the sinews and connecting vessels in the inner thigh, foot numbness and weakness, lower back pain, pain along the Stomach channel pathway on the thigh, small abdomen pain referring to the throat.
Biguan is a primary local point for a wide range of disorders affecting the hip joint and thigh, including pain, motor impairment, and atrophy. Its indications for cold, numbness, and difficulty with flexion and extension make it essential for treating bi-syndrome and post-stroke sequelae affecting the lower limb. The classical texts emphasize its role in treating cold-related conditions and sinew problems in the leg.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《針灸逢源》 Zhēnjiǔ Féngyuán — Sources of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Li Xuechuan, 1815 · 卷四 · 經穴考正 · 足陽明胃經穴考 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
髀關 在膝上一尺二寸許伏兔後交紋中。 （針六分。 禁灸）治腰痛膝寒痿痹股內筋急According to this text, ST31 lies about 1 chi 2 cun above the knee in the crease behind Futu, is needled 0.6 cun, and moxibustion is forbidden; it was used for low-back pain, cold knees, wei-bi (weakness and blockage), and tense sinews of the inner thigh.
《醫學綱目·刺灸》 Yīxué Gāngmù · Cìjiǔ — Outline of Medicine: Needling and Moxibustion, Lou Ying, 1565 · 卷之八·陰陽臟腑部 · 穴法下 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
髀關二穴，在膝上伏兔後交文中。 針入六分，灸三壯According to this text, ST31 lies above the knee in the crease behind Futu, and is needled 0.6 cun with 3 moxa cones.
《醫學入門》 Yīxué Rùmén — Introduction to Medicine, Li Chan, 1575 · 经穴起止 · Source: Wikisource ↗
髀关膝上伏兔后跨骨横纹中。 针入六分，灸三壮。 主黄胆，痿痹不得屈伸，股内筋急According to this text, ST31 lies above the knee behind Futu in the transverse crease of the hip, is needled 0.6 cun with 3 moxa cones, and was used for jaundice, wei-bi with inability to bend or stretch, and tense sinews of the inner thigh.
《針灸大成》 Zhēnjiǔ Dàchéng — Great Compendium of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 1601 · 卷八 · Source: Wikisource ↗
髀關 伏兔後交文中，銅人針六分，灸三壯。 主腰痛，足麻木，膝寒不仁，痿痺， 股內筋絡結急，不屈伸，小腹引喉痛According to this text, ST31 lies in the crease behind Futu, needled 0.6 cun with 3 moxa cones per the Tongren; it was used for low-back pain, numb feet, cold and insensitive knees, wei-bi, knotted tense sinews of the inner thigh with inability to bend or stretch, and lower-abdominal pain drawing up to the throat.
ST31 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:
ST31 (Biguan) is located on the anterior aspect of the thigh, on a line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the superolateral corner of the patella. It is located in the depression lateral to the sartorius muscle, level with the inferior border of the pubic symphysis.
ST31 dispels wind-damp, alleviates pain and numbness, strengthens the leg and lower back, and relaxes the sinews. Common clinical indications include knee cold and numbness, bi-impediment (painful obstruction), atrophy, inability to flex and extend the leg, tightness of the sinews and connecting vessels in the inner thigh, foot numbness and weakness, lower back pain, pain along the Stomach channel pathway on the thigh, small abdomen pain referring to the throat.
Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 2.0 cun. Caution: The Zhen Jiu Ju Ying and Zhen Jiu Da Cheng list Biguan in their 'Forbidden to Moxibust' songs, which contradicts other sources that recommend moxibustion.
ST31 is a point on the Stomach Meridian (Zú Yángmíng Wèijīng).