ST38 Tiaokou

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

ST38 (Tiaokou, “Tiaokou”) is an acupuncture point on the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 8 cun inferior to Dubi (ST35) and 1 cun inferior to Shangjuxu (ST37), on the line connecting ST35 and Jiexi (ST41). This places it one finger breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia. It dispels wind-damp, alleviates pain, harmonizes the Stomach and Intestines, and opens the channels and collaterals of the leg.

Location

On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 8 cun inferior to Dubi (ST35) and 1 cun inferior to Shangjuxu (ST37), on the line connecting ST35 and Jiexi (ST41). This places it one finger breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun.

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TCM functions

Dispels wind-damp, alleviates pain, harmonizes the Stomach and Intestines, and opens the channels and collaterals of the leg..

Indications

Foot numbness, foot weakness or inability to walk, foot drop, foot pain, foot heat, inability to stand for long, wet bi (damp impediment), cold in the shin, knee pain, shin pain, leg cramps, swelling of the shin, shoulder pain, frozen shoulder..

Clinical notes

Tiaokou is a primary distal point for disorders of the lower leg, particularly for weakness, pain, and numbness along the Stomach channel. It is renowned for its empirical use in treating shoulder pain, especially frozen shoulder, on the contralateral side. This is a classic example of 'treating the lower body for upper body disease', where strong needle stimulation at ST38 while the patient moves the affected shoulder can yield immediate improvement in range of motion and pain.

On the Stomach channel

ST38 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

ST34ST35ST36ST37ST39ST40ST41ST42

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST38 located?

ST38 (Tiaokou) is located on the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 8 cun inferior to Dubi (ST35) and 1 cun inferior to Shangjuxu (ST37), on the line connecting ST35 and Jiexi (ST41). This places it one finger breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia.

What is ST38 used for?

ST38 dispels wind-damp, alleviates pain, harmonizes the Stomach and Intestines, and opens the channels and collaterals of the leg. Common clinical indications include foot numbness, foot weakness or inability to walk, foot drop, foot pain, foot heat, inability to stand for long, wet bi (damp impediment), cold in the shin, knee pain, shin pain, leg cramps, swelling of the shin, shoulder pain, frozen shoulder.

How is ST38 needled?

Perpendicular insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Caution: The Zhen Jiu Da Cheng lists Tiaokou in the 'Song of Points Forbidden to Moxibustion'. However, multiple other classics, including the Jia Yi Jing, Zi Sheng Jing, and Zhen Jiu Ju Ying, explicitly recommend moxibustion. This suggests the prohibition was not a universal consensus.

Which meridian is ST38 on?

ST38 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.