ST38 (Tiaokou, “Strap Opening”) is an acupuncture point on the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 8 cun inferior to ST35, one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia. It relaxes sinews and activates the channel, especially for shoulder pain.
On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 8 cun inferior to ST35, one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia.
Perpendicular insertion 1-2 cun.
Relaxes sinews and activates the channel, especially for shoulder pain.
Pain in the shoulder and arm, paralysis of the lower extremities, gastric pain.
ST38 is an empirically significant point, best known for its remarkable ability to treat shoulder pain, particularly frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) and rotator cuff injuries. While not a command point, its distal location provides a powerful and often immediate effect on the shoulder when needled with movement. It also relaxes sinews and activates the channel in the lower leg. It is almost exclusively used for its unique effect on shoulder pain, often in conjunction with local shoulder points.
ST38 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:
ST38 (Tiaokou) is located on the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 8 cun inferior to ST35, one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia.
ST38 relaxes sinews and activates the channel, especially for shoulder pain. Common clinical indications include pain in the shoulder and arm, paralysis of the lower extremities, gastric pain.
Perpendicular insertion 1-2 cun.
ST38 is a point on the Stomach Meridian (Zú Yángmíng Wèijīng).