ST37 Shangjuxu

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

ST37 (Shangjuxu, “Shangjuxu”) is the Lower He-Sea of the Large Intestine point of the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun inferior to ST36 (Zusanli), one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia, in the tibialis anterior muscle. The point is located with the leg in a neutral position or slightly dorsiflexed. It regulates the Large Intestine, clears Damp-Heat from the intestines, resolves stagnation in the Stomach and Intestines, alleviates pain, and tonifies Qi and Blood in cases of deficiency.

Location

On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun inferior to ST36 (Zusanli), one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia, in the tibialis anterior muscle. The point is located with the leg in a neutral position or slightly dorsiflexed.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun.

TCM functions

Regulates the Large Intestine, clears Damp-Heat from the intestines, resolves stagnation in the Stomach and Intestines, alleviates pain, and tonifies Qi and Blood in cases of deficiency..

Indications

Hemiplegia, leg qi (beriberi), numbness of the waist, legs, hands and feet, sore and painful leg and shin, difficulty flexing and extending the limbs, inability to stand for long, wind-water with knee swelling, cold pain in the bone marrow, cold in the Large Intestine, undigested food in the stool, chronic diarrhea, wasting and consumptive disease, cutting pain in the intestines with borborygmus, qi rushing up to the chest, labored breathing, inability to walk, cold damage with heat in the stomach, abdominal and flank pain referring to the navel, insufficient zang-organ qi, spleen and stomach deficiency with dampness causing flaccidity, excessive sweating, and poor appetite..

Lower He-Sea of the Large Intestine

Clinical notes

As the Lower He-Sea point of the Large Intestine, Shangjuxu is a primary point for treating disorders of that organ, especially acute and chronic conditions like diarrhea, dysentery, and appendicitis. It excels at clearing Damp-Heat and regulating intestinal function. It is also a significant local point for pain, numbness, and motor impairment of the lower leg, often used for hemiplegia and atrophy disorders.

On the Stomach channel

ST37 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST37 located?

ST37 (Shangjuxu) is located on the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 3 cun inferior to ST36 (Zusanli), one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia, in the tibialis anterior muscle. The point is located with the leg in a neutral position or slightly dorsiflexed.

What is ST37 used for?

ST37 regulates the Large Intestine, clears Damp-Heat from the intestines, resolves stagnation in the Stomach and Intestines, alleviates pain, and tonifies Qi and Blood in cases of deficiency. Common clinical indications include hemiplegia, leg qi (beriberi), numbness of the waist, legs, hands and feet, sore and painful leg and shin, difficulty flexing and extending the limbs, inability to stand for long, wind-water with knee swelling, cold pain in the bone marrow, cold in the Large Intestine, undigested food in the stool, chronic diarrhea, wasting and consumptive disease, cutting pain in the intestines with borborygmus, qi rushing up to the chest, labored breathing, inability to walk, cold damage with heat in the stomach, abdominal and flank pain referring to the navel, insufficient zang-organ qi, spleen and stomach deficiency with dampness causing flaccidity, excessive sweating, and poor appetite.

How is ST37 needled?

Perpendicular insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun.

Which meridian is ST37 on?

ST37 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.