ST42 (Chongyang, “Rushing Yang”) is the Yuan-Source Point point of the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the dorsum of the foot, at its highest point, in the depression between the second and third metatarsal bones and the cuneiform bones, where the dorsalis pedis artery is palpable. This is approximately 2 cun proximal to ST43 (Xiangu) and 1.5 cun distal to ST41 (Jiexi). It tonifies Stomach Qi, harmonizes the Stomach, calms the spirit, and activates the channel to alleviate pain.
On the dorsum of the foot, at its highest point, in the depression between the second and third metatarsal bones and the cuneiform bones, where the dorsalis pedis artery is palpable. This is approximately 2 cun proximal to ST43 (Xiangu) and 1.5 cun distal to ST41 (Jiexi).
Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun, avoiding the dorsalis pedis artery. Oblique insertion is also used.
Tonifies Stomach Qi, harmonizes the Stomach, calms the spirit, and activates the channel to alleviate pain.
Malaria with prolonged cold then heat,unilateral wind stroke, facial paralysis with deviation of the mouth and eyes, swelling of the dorsum of the foot, toothache with alternating fever and chills, abdominal hardness and distention, poor appetite, shivering and yawning in Shang Han (cold damage) disorders, chronic mania, climbing to high places and singing, taking off clothes and running around, weakness of the foot with inability to walk properly, pain in the front of the body.
As the Yuan-Source point of the Stomach, ST42 is a key point for diagnosing and treating disorders of the Stomach Fu. Its location over the dorsalis pedis artery makes it a site for assessing the state of Stomach Qi; a weak or absent pulse here is a grave prognostic sign according to the Neijing. Clinically, it is used for a range of Stomach channel issues, from digestive complaints and facial paralysis to mania and disorders of the lower limb.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《針灸甲乙經》 Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng — Systematic Classic of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, c. 256–282 · 卷07 · Source: Wikisource ↗
善嚙頰齒唇，熱病汗不出，口中熱痛，沖陽主之，胃脘痛，時寒熱，皆主之The text records that ST42 was used for frequently biting the cheeks, teeth and lips, febrile disease without sweating, hot pain in the mouth, and also for pain in the stomach region with intermittent chills and fever.
《針灸大成》 Zhēnjiǔ Dàchéng — Great Compendium of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 1601 · 卷六 · Source: Wikisource ↗
刺中五臟膽皆死，衝陽血出投幽冥This verse warns that needling which strikes the five zang organs or the gallbladder is fatal, and that drawing blood at ST42 (Chongyang) sends the patient to the underworld, i.e. bleeding there is to be avoided.
《類經》 Lèijīng — Classified Canon, Zhang Jiebin, 1624 · 二十八卷·运气类 · 四十三、十二脏神失守位邪鬼外干之刺 · Source: Wikisource ↗
（冲阳穴也。 用长针，于口中温之，先以左手按穴，刺入三分，留三呼，
进二分，徐徐出针，以手扪其穴The text describes needling ST42 with a long needle warmed in the mouth: the point is first pressed with the left hand, the needle inserted 0.3 cun and retained for 3 breaths, advanced a further 0.2 cun, withdrawn slowly, and the hole pressed with the hand.
《針方六集》 Zhēnfāng Liùjí — Six Collections on Needling, Wu Kun, 1618 · 卷之五·紛署集 · 足陽明及股凡三十穴第三十二 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
衝陽二穴，主偏風口眼喎斜，齲齒，跗腫，寒熱，腹脹不嗜食，振寒而欠，足緩，狂妄，棄衣而走，身前痛The text records that ST42 was used for one-sided wind with deviated mouth and eyes, tooth decay, swollen insteps, chills and fever, abdominal distension with no wish to eat, shivering with yawning, slack feet, manic raving with throwing off clothes and running about, and pain of the front of the body.
ST42 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:
ST42 (Chongyang) is located on the dorsum of the foot, at its highest point, in the depression between the second and third metatarsal bones and the cuneiform bones, where the dorsalis pedis artery is palpable. This is approximately 2 cun proximal to ST43 (Xiangu) and 1.5 cun distal to ST41 (Jiexi).
ST42 tonifies Stomach Qi, harmonizes the Stomach, calms the spirit, and activates the channel to alleviate pain. Common clinical indications include malaria with prolonged cold then heat,unilateral wind stroke, facial paralysis with deviation of the mouth and eyes, swelling of the dorsum of the foot, toothache with alternating fever and chills, abdominal hardness and distention, poor appetite, shivering and yawning in Shang Han (cold damage) disorders, chronic mania, climbing to high places and singing, taking off clothes and running around, weakness of the foot with inability to walk properly, pain in the front of the body.
Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun, avoiding the dorsalis pedis artery. Oblique insertion is also used. Caution: The Su Wen warns that if needling the artery on the dorsum of the foot leads to unstoppable bleeding, it can be fatal. Care must be taken to avoid puncturing the dorsalis pedis artery.
ST42 is a point on the Stomach Meridian (Zú Yángmíng Wèijīng).