ST32 Futu

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

ST32 (Futu, “Futu”) 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 and the superolateral corner of the patella, 6 cun superior to the patella. The point is located on the prominence of the rectus femoris muscle, which resembles a crouching rabbit when the knee is flexed. It expels wind and dampness, alleviates pain and numbness in the leg, soothes the sinews, and calms the spirit for certain types of mania.

Location

On the anterior aspect of the thigh, on a line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine and the superolateral corner of the patella, 6 cun superior to the patella. The point is located on the prominence of the rectus femoris muscle, which resembles a crouching rabbit when the knee is flexed.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 2.0 cun.

M
u
l
t
i
p
l
e
c
l
a
s
s
i
c
a
l
s
o
u
r
c
e
s
,
i
n
c
l
u
d
i
n
g
t
h
e
J
i
a
Y
i
J
i
n
g
,
Z
i
S
h
e
n
g
J
i
n
g
,
a
n
d
Q
i
a
n
J
i
n
Y
a
o
F
a
n
g
,
e
x
p
l
i
c
i
t
l
y
f
o
r
b
i
d
m
o
x
i
b
u
s
t
i
o
n
o
n
t
h
i
s
p
o
i
n
t
.
T
h
e
Q
i
a
n
J
i
n
Y
a
o
F
a
n
g
a
l
s
o
l
i
s
t
s
i
t
a
s
a
p
o
i
n
t
w
h
e
r
e
n
e
e
d
l
i
n
g
i
s
f
o
r
b
i
d
d
e
n
,
a
l
t
h
o
u
g
h
t
h
i
s
c
o
n
t
r
a
d
i
c
t
s
i
t
s
o
w
n
r
e
c
o
m
m
e
n
d
a
t
i
o
n
i
n
t
h
e
J
i
a
Y
i
J
i
n
g
t
o
n
e
e
d
l
e
0
.
5
c
u
n
.
T
h
i
s
s
u
g
g
e
s
t
s
a
h
i
s
t
o
r
i
c
a
l
d
e
b
a
t
e
a
n
d
t
h
e
n
e
e
d
f
o
r
c
a
u
t
i
o
n
.

TCM functions

Expels wind and dampness, alleviates pain and numbness in the leg, soothes the sinews, and calms the spirit for certain types of mania..

Indications

Pain and soreness along the Stomach channel pathway on the thigh, knee, and lower leg, coldness of the knee, numbness of the leg, wind-labor (wind-induced consumptive disease), reversed qi, madness and demonic afflictions, hand contracture, generalized urticaria (yin zhen), abdominal distention, lack of qi, heaviness in the head, beriberi (jiao qi), various gynecological diseases, lumbar pain, weakness and paralysis of the lower limbs (wei bi), thigh muscle spasms, inguinal hernia, pain in the lower abdomen radiating to the throat..

Clinical notes

Futu is a primary local point for treating pain, weakness, paralysis, and cold sensations in the thigh and knee, particularly conditions affecting the quadriceps muscle. Its classical indications for wind-related disorders like urticaria and mania (kuang xie) show its ability to address both external wind and internal wind-phlegm affecting the mind. While primarily used for leg disorders, its connection to the Yangming channel pathway also gives it a role in treating referred abdominal pain.

On the Stomach channel

ST32 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST32 located?

ST32 (Futu) is located on the anterior aspect of the thigh, on a line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine and the superolateral corner of the patella, 6 cun superior to the patella. The point is located on the prominence of the rectus femoris muscle, which resembles a crouching rabbit when the knee is flexed.

What is ST32 used for?

ST32 expels wind and dampness, alleviates pain and numbness in the leg, soothes the sinews, and calms the spirit for certain types of mania. Common clinical indications include pain and soreness along the Stomach channel pathway on the thigh, knee, and lower leg, coldness of the knee, numbness of the leg, wind-labor (wind-induced consumptive disease), reversed qi, madness and demonic afflictions, hand contracture, generalized urticaria (yin zhen), abdominal distention, lack of qi, heaviness in the head, beriberi (jiao qi), various gynecological diseases, lumbar pain, weakness and paralysis of the lower limbs (wei bi), thigh muscle spasms, inguinal hernia, pain in the lower abdomen radiating to the throat.

How is ST32 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 2.0 cun. Caution: Multiple classical sources, including the Jia Yi Jing, Zi Sheng Jing, and Qian Jin Yao Fang, explicitly forbid moxibustion on this point. The Qian Jin Yao Fang also lists it as a point where needling is forbidden, although this contradicts its own recommendation in the Jia Yi Jing to needle 0.5 cun. This suggests a historical debate and the need for caution.

Which meridian is ST32 on?

ST32 is a point on the Stomach Meridian (Zú Yángmíng Wèijīng).

Interactive body mapConditions & evidenceFind an acupuncturistTCM glossary
⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.