ST33 Yinshi

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

ST33 (Yinshi, “Yinshi”) 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, 3 cun superior to the patella in a depression inferior to the Futu (ST32) point. This point is best located with the knee flexed. It expels cold and damp from the lower jiao and channel, alleviates pain, tonifies Qi in cases of deficiency.

Location

On the anterior aspect of the thigh, on a line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) and the superolateral corner of the patella, 3 cun superior to the patella in a depression inferior to the Futu (ST32) point. This point is best located with the knee flexed.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 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
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
s
t
a
t
e
t
h
a
t
m
o
x
i
b
u
s
t
i
o
n
i
s
f
o
r
b
i
d
d
e
n
a
t
t
h
i
s
p
o
i
n
t
.

TCM functions

Expels cold and damp from the lower jiao and channel, alleviates pain, tonifies Qi in cases of deficiency..

Indications

Abdominal fullness, flaccidity and reversal (wei jue), shortness of breath, cold sensation in the lower back and legs as if in cold water, cold hernia with lower abdominal distention, sudden hernia with lower abdominal pain, weakness of the legs, cold in the Futu (ST32) area,low back pain where one cannot turn to look back, leg pain, difficulty walking, leg muscle contracture, foot qi, consumptive thirst (diabetes), knee pain, cold and numbness in the leg, inability to bend or extend the knee..

Clinical notes

Yinshi is a key local point on the Stomach channel for treating pain, cold, weakness, and atrophy of the thigh and knee. Its classical indications for cold hernia and abdominal fullness highlight its ability to dispel cold from the lower jiao and channel. While primarily used for leg disorders, it can also be considered for deficiency conditions presenting with shortness of breath or for unceasing sweat when other methods fail.

On the Stomach channel

ST33 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST33 located?

ST33 (Yinshi) 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, 3 cun superior to the patella in a depression inferior to the Futu (ST32) point. This point is best located with the knee flexed.

What is ST33 used for?

ST33 expels cold and damp from the lower jiao and channel, alleviates pain, tonifies Qi in cases of deficiency. Common clinical indications include abdominal fullness, flaccidity and reversal (wei jue), shortness of breath, cold sensation in the lower back and legs as if in cold water, cold hernia with lower abdominal distention, sudden hernia with lower abdominal pain, weakness of the legs, cold in the Futu (ST32) area,low back pain where one cannot turn to look back, leg pain, difficulty walking, leg muscle contracture, foot qi, consumptive thirst (diabetes), knee pain, cold and numbness in the leg, inability to bend or extend the knee.

How is ST33 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Caution: Multiple classical sources, including the Jia Yi Jing and Qian Jin Yao Fang, explicitly state that moxibustion is forbidden at this point.

Which meridian is ST33 on?

ST33 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.