ST39 Lower Great Void

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

ST39 (Xiajuxu, “Lower Great Void”) is the Lower He-Sea of the Small Intestine point of the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 9 cun inferior to ST36 (Dubi) and 3 cun inferior to ST37 (Shangjuxu), one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia. It regulates and clears the Small Intestine, transforms Damp-Heat, alleviates pain, and calms the spirit.

Location

On the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 9 cun inferior to ST36 (Dubi) and 3 cun inferior to ST37 (Shangjuxu), one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun.

TCM functions

Regulates and clears the Small Intestine, transforms Damp-Heat, alleviates pain, and calms the spirit..

Indications

Small intestine qi deficiency, pale complexion, hemiplegia, leg paralysis, inability of the foot to touch the ground, heat-wind, cold-damp impediment that is unresponsive, wind-damp impediment, throat impediment, leg qi deficiency, leg heaviness, dry lips, unconscious drooling, inability to sweat, withered hair, flesh falling away, aversion to food, purulent and bloody stool, pain in the chest, ribs, and lower abdomen referring to the testicles, post-coital taxation, heat in front of the ear, severe cold, heat on one shoulder, heat and pain between the little and ring fingers, sudden fright and mania, incoherent speech, female breast abscess, inability to flex the foot, heel pain, wind-damp leg pain..

Lower He-Sea of the Small Intestine

Clinical notes

As the Lower He-Sea point of the Small Intestine, ST39 is a primary point for treating disorders of that organ, particularly Damp-Heat conditions like dysentery with pus and blood, or abdominal pain. It is also a crucial distal point for pain and motor impairment of the lower limb, such as leg paralysis, weakness, and difficulty walking. Its connection to the Small Intestine channel also explains its use for pain along the channel's pathway, such as shoulder or finger pain, and for certain psycho-emotional disorders like mania.

On the Stomach channel

ST39 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST39 located?

ST39 (Xiajuxu) is located on the anterior aspect of the lower leg, 9 cun inferior to ST36 (Dubi) and 3 cun inferior to ST37 (Shangjuxu), one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia.

What is ST39 used for?

ST39 regulates and clears the Small Intestine, transforms Damp-Heat, alleviates pain, and calms the spirit. Common clinical indications include small intestine qi deficiency, pale complexion, hemiplegia, leg paralysis, inability of the foot to touch the ground, heat-wind, cold-damp impediment that is unresponsive, wind-damp impediment, throat impediment, leg qi deficiency, leg heaviness, dry lips, unconscious drooling, inability to sweat, withered hair, flesh falling away, aversion to food, purulent and bloody stool, pain in the chest, ribs, and lower abdomen referring to the testicles, post-coital taxation, heat in front of the ear, severe cold, heat on one shoulder, heat and pain between the little and ring fingers, sudden fright and mania, incoherent speech, female breast abscess, inability to flex the foot, heel pain, wind-damp leg pain.

How is ST39 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun.

Which meridian is ST39 on?

ST39 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.