ST43 Sunken Valley

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

ST43 (Xiangu, “Sunken Valley”) is the Shu-Stream point point of the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression proximal to the junction of the second and third metatarsal bones, 2 cun posterior to the web margin (Neiting, ST44). It harmonizes the Stomach and intestines, clears Heat, resolves Dampness and swelling, calms the spirit.

Location

On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression proximal to the junction of the second and third metatarsal bones, 2 cun posterior to the web margin (Neiting, ST44).

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun.

TCM functions

Harmonizes the Stomach and intestines, clears Heat, resolves Dampness and swelling, calms the spirit..

Indications

Abdominal pain, abdominal fullness, abdominal distension, belching, borborygmus, borborygmus with pain, water swelling (edema), facial swelling, eye swelling, eye pain, retention of fluid in the chest and hypochondrium, cough with upward qi, heat diseases, foot pain along the channel, arm pain, fever with inability to sweat, aversion to people and fire, easily startled by the sound of wood, desire to be alone, desire to ascend to high places and sing, desire to cast off clothes and run naked, mania, malaria..

Shu-Stream pointWood point

Clinical notes

As the Shu-Stream and Wood point of the Stomach channel, ST43 excels at treating edema and swelling, particularly on the face, as it strongly promotes the movement of qi and water. It is also a key distal point for various abdominal issues like pain, fullness, and borborygmus, reflecting its function of regulating the Stomach Fu. Its indications for mania and other psycho-emotional disturbances highlight the Stomach channel's connection to the spirit, especially when heat is involved.

On the Stomach channel

ST43 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST43 located?

ST43 (Xiangu) is located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression proximal to the junction of the second and third metatarsal bones, 2 cun posterior to the web margin (Neiting, ST44).

What is ST43 used for?

ST43 harmonizes the Stomach and intestines, clears Heat, resolves Dampness and swelling, calms the spirit. Common clinical indications include abdominal pain, abdominal fullness, abdominal distension, belching, borborygmus, borborygmus with pain, water swelling (edema), facial swelling, eye swelling, eye pain, retention of fluid in the chest and hypochondrium, cough with upward qi, heat diseases, foot pain along the channel, arm pain, fever with inability to sweat, aversion to people and fire, easily startled by the sound of wood, desire to be alone, desire to ascend to high places and sing, desire to cast off clothes and run naked, mania, malaria.

How is ST43 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun.

Which meridian is ST43 on?

ST43 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.