ST36 Leg Three Miles

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

ST36 (Zusanli, “Leg Three Miles”) is the He-Sea point (Earth) point of the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun inferior to ST35 (Dubi), in a depression one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia, within the tibialis anterior muscle. It harmonizes the Stomach, fortifies the Spleen and resolves dampness, supports the correct Qi and fosters the original Qi, tonifies Qi and Blood, calms the spirit, activates the channel and alleviates pain, revives yang and restores consciousness.

Location

On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun inferior to ST35 (Dubi), in a depression one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia, within the tibialis anterior muscle.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 2.0 cun.

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TCM functions

Harmonizes the Stomach, fortifies the Spleen and resolves dampness, supports the correct Qi and fosters the original Qi, tonifies Qi and Blood, calms the spirit, activates the channel and alleviates pain, revives yang and restores consciousness..

Indications

Stomach pain, abdominal distention, borborygmus, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dysentery, difficulty ingesting food, blockage and pain in the throat and diaphragm, breast abscess, breast swelling, mania, epilepsy, hemiplegia, beriberi, edema, soreness of the knee and leg, emaciation from general deficiency, five taxations and seven injuries, shortness of breath, inability to stand for long, dizziness, urinary disturbance, palpitations, cough, asthma, fever, pain along the channel, weakness and flaccidity of the foot, jaundice, pain in the heart, chest and hypochondrium, postpartum fainting, aversion to the smell of food, incessant talking, inappropriate laughter, fear and anger, cholera, cold in the stomach, undigested food in the stool, pain extending to the flanks, swelling of the face, dry lips, nosebleed, water swelling, pain in the shin, lassitude, excessive sweating, febrile disease without sweating, mouth deviation, goiter, cold limbs, hiccups..

He-Sea point (Earth)Stomach Lower He-Sea pointCommand point of the AbdomenGao Wu Command Point for General QiMa Dan-yang Heavenly Star pointSun Si-miao Ghost point

Clinical notes

As the He-Sea and Lower He-Sea point of the Stomach, Zusanli is the paramount point for regulating the entire digestive system. It powerfully tonifies the body's overall Qi and Blood, making it essential for treating weakness, fatigue, and chronic illness. Its ability to descend rebellious Qi treats nausea, vomiting, and hiccups, while its harmonizing action addresses both diarrhea and constipation. Beyond digestion, it is a key point for any condition involving leg pain, weakness, or paralysis, and is famed for its immune-boosting and longevity-promoting effects, especially when moxibustion is applied regularly.

On the Stomach channel

ST36 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

ST32ST33ST34ST35ST37ST38ST39ST40

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST36 located?

ST36 (Zusanli) is located on the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun inferior to ST35 (Dubi), in a depression one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia, within the tibialis anterior muscle.

What is ST36 used for?

ST36 harmonizes the Stomach, fortifies the Spleen and resolves dampness, supports the correct Qi and fosters the original Qi, tonifies Qi and Blood, calms the spirit, activates the channel and alleviates pain, revives yang and restores consciousness. Common clinical indications include stomach pain, abdominal distention, borborygmus, indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dysentery, difficulty ingesting food, blockage and pain in the throat and diaphragm, breast abscess, breast swelling, mania, epilepsy, hemiplegia, beriberi, edema, soreness of the knee and leg, emaciation from general deficiency, five taxations and seven injuries, shortness of breath, inability to stand for long, dizziness, urinary disturbance, palpitations, cough, asthma, fever, pain along the channel, weakness and flaccidity of the foot, jaundice, pain in the heart, chest and hypochondrium, postpartum fainting, aversion to the smell of food, incessant talking, inappropriate laughter, fear and anger, cholera, cold in the stomach, undigested food in the stool, pain extending to the flanks, swelling of the face, dry lips, nosebleed, water swelling, pain in the shin, lassitude, excessive sweating, febrile disease without sweating, mouth deviation, goiter, cold limbs, hiccups.

How is ST36 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 2.0 cun. Caution: The Zhen Jiu Ju Ying warns that excessive moxibustion on ST36 and CV6 in a young person with weak Qi can lead to conditions of heat rising to the head in old age, such as headache that is aggravated by warmth and relieved by cold. It also cautions that incorrectly using ST36, the He-Sea point of the Stomach, for conditions caused by the six external evils or patterns of upper heat and lower cold can be very dangerous.

Which meridian is ST36 on?

ST36 is a point on the Stomach Meridian (Zú Yángmíng Wèijīng).

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⚠️ 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.