The Zu Yangming Wei Jing (Stomach Meridian of the Foot Yangming) begins at the sides of the nose at the Yingxiang (Welcome Fragrance) point, ascends along the nose to the root, intersects with the Zu Taiyang Pangguang Jing (Bladder Meridian of the Foot Taiyang) at the inner canthus of the eye, then descends along the lateral side of the nose, enters the upper teeth, exits, encircles the lips, intersects at the Chengjiang (Container of Fluids) point in the mentolabial groove, retreats along the lower jaw bone, ascends over the angle of the mandible, passes in front of the ear, follows the hairline to the forehead at the Shenting (Divine Court) point. Its descending branch travels down the throat, converges with the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) at the Da Zhui (Great Vertebra) point, bends forward, enters the Que Pen (Deficient Basin), penetrates the body cavity, descends through the diaphragm, belongs to the stomach, and connects with the spleen. The main trunk exits the body surface from the Que Pen, descends along the midline of the chest, opens 2 cun (inches) on either side of the umbilicus, descends to the Qi Jie (Qi Street) at the groin, travels along the anterior side of the thigh, reaches the patella, descends along the anterior edge of the tibia to the dorsum of the foot, and enters the lateral side of the second toe at the Li Dui (Severe Exchange) point.1. Pathway Diagram of the Stomach Meridian
2. Stomach Meridian Acupoint SongForty-five holes of the Stomach Meridian, Chengqi, Si Bai, Ju Liao, Di Cang, Da Ying, Jia Che, Xia Guan, Tou Wei, Ren Ying, Shui Tu, Qi She, Que Pen, Qi Hu, Ku Fang, Wu Yi, Ruzhong, Rugen, Bu Rong, Cheng Man, Liang Men, Guan Men, Tai Yi, Hua Rou Men, Tian Shu, Wai Ling, Da Ju, Shui Dao, Gui Lai, Qi Chong, Bi Guan, Fu Tu, Yin Shi, Liang Qiu, Du Bi, Zu San Li, Shang Ju Xu, Xia Ju Xu, Feng Long, Jie Xi, Chong Yang, Xian Gu, Nei Ting, Li Dui.3. Introduction to Each Acupoint of the Stomach MeridianThe acupoints of the Zu Yangming Wei Jing belong to the Stomach Meridian. According to the Huangdi Neijing and Jin Jian, the acupoints of the Stomach Meridian include: Chengqi, Si Bai, Ju Liao, Di Cang, Da Ying, Jia Che, Xia Guan, Tou Wei, Ren Ying, Shui Tu, Qi She, Que Pen, Qi Hu, Ku Fang, Wu Yi, Ruzhong, Rugen, Bu Rong, Cheng Man, Liang Men, Guan Men, Tai Yi, Hua Rou Men, Tian Shu, Wai Ling, Da Ju, Shui Dao, Gui Lai, Qi Chong, Bi Guan, Fu Tu, Yin Shi, Liang Qiu, Du Bi, Zu San Li, Shang Ju Xu, Xia Ju Xu, Feng Long, Jie Xi, Chong Yang, Xian Gu, Nei Ting, Li Dui. In total, there are 45 acupoints, with 15 located on the anterior lateral aspect of the lower limbs and 30 on the abdomen, chest, and head/face. The first acupoint is Chengqi, and the last is Li Dui.The acupoints of the Zu Yangming Wei Jing can treat conditions related to the gastrointestinal system, nervous system, respiratory system, circulatory system, and diseases of the head, eyes, nose, mouth, and teeth, as well as conditions along the pathway of this meridian. For example: stomach pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, diarrhea, epistaxis, toothache, facial paralysis, sore throat, febrile diseases, mental disorders, and pain along the meridian pathway.The health maintenance time for the Stomach Meridian is during the Chen Shi (7:00-9:00 AM).1. ChengqiAlso known as Xi Xue, Mian Chuan, Mian Jiao, Mu Xia, Ji Xue, Shu Xue. The name Chengqi means to receive. The Huangdi Neijing states: “When the eyes are unclear, tears flow.” The Shuowen Jiezi states: “Qi means tears.” This acupoint is located below the eye, where tears first flow when one is sad, hence the name Chengqi.Location: On the face, directly below the pupil, between the eyeball and the lower edge of the orbit.Method: Extend the index and middle fingers together, place the middle finger against the side of the nose, and the tip of the index finger will be at the lower edge of the eye socket.2. Si BaiFour means the number four, which is double two. Bai means white, signifying brightness and clarity. Si Bai refers to the area where the whites of the eyes are visible above, below, left, and right. This acupoint is located 1 cun below the eye, where the whites are clearly visible, hence the name Si Bai. It is also said that this acupoint treats dizziness, redness of the eyes, and itching, and needling it can enhance vision.Location: On the face, directly below the pupil, at the depression of the infraorbital foramen.Method: Extend the index and middle fingers together, place the middle finger on both sides of the nostrils, and the tip of the index finger will be at the depression.3. Ju LiaoJu means large. Liao means deep cavity. This acupoint is located at the large gap between the upper jaw and the zygomatic bone, hence the name Ju Liao.Location: On the face, directly below the pupil, at the lower edge of the nose wing, at the lateral side of the nasolabial groove.Method: Look straight ahead, draw a vertical line down from the pupil, and where it intersects with the horizontal line at the lower edge of the nose wing is the acupoint.4. Di CangAlso known as Hui Wei, Wei Wei. Di means earth, and Cang means granary. The earth produces grains, and grains enter through the mouth, like entering a granary. This acupoint is located beside the mouth, hence the name Di Cang.Location: On the face, lateral to the mouth, directly above the pupil.Method: Lightly close the mouth, raise both hands, and press the outer sides of the mouth corners with the index fingers.5. Da YingAlso known as Sui Kong. In ancient times, the bone in front of the lower jaw angle was called the Da Ying Bone, hence the name Da Ying.Location: In front of the lower jaw angle, at the anterior edge of the masseter muscle, where the facial artery pulsates.Method: Sit upright, close the mouth, puff out the cheeks, and the depression below the lower jaw angle where there is a pulsation is the acupoint.6. Jia CheAlso known as Qu Ya, Ji Guan, Gui Chuang, Chi Ya, Gui Lin, Jiu Guan. Jia means cheek, and Che means vehicle, referring to the lower jaw bone. This acupoint is located at the lower jaw bone area, hence the name Jia Che.Location: On the cheek, above the lower jaw angle, about one horizontal finger (middle finger) above, at the point where the masseter muscle bulges when chewing.Method: When biting down, a bulge of the masseter muscle appears, and the depression is the acupoint.7. Xia GuanXia means below, and Guan refers to the joint (the temporomandibular joint). This acupoint is located below the temporomandibular joint, hence the name Xia Guan.Location: On the face, in front of the ear, at the depression formed by the zygomatic arch and the mandible notch.Method: Close the mouth, bring the index and middle fingers together, place the index finger beside the earlobe, and the tip of the middle finger is the acupoint.8. Tou WeiTou refers to the head, and Wei means to maintain. This acupoint is named because the qi and blood at this point maintain the normal order of the head. The head is the meeting point of all Yang, relying on the meridians to continuously supply Yang qi and nutrients to maintain its normal function. The Stomach Meridian is rich in qi and blood, playing an important role in the normal operation of the head, and this acupoint transmits the qi and blood to the head, hence the name.Location: On the side of the head, 0.5 cun above the hairline at the forehead, 4.5 cun lateral to the midline of the head.Method: On the head, measure half a horizontal finger above the hairline at the forehead, and 6 horizontal fingers lateral to the midline.9. Ren YingThis acupoint is located at the Ren Ying pulse area, hence the name Ren Ying.Location: In the neck, beside the Adam’s apple, at the anterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, where the common carotid artery pulsates.Method: Sit upright, slightly tilt the head, measure about 2 horizontal fingers from the Adam’s apple outward, where the pulsation of the carotid artery is the acupoint.10. Shui TuAlso known as Shui Men, Shui Tian. Shui means liquid, and Tu means to collide. This acupoint is located below the Adam’s apple, where swallowing food can cause local tissue to collide upwards, hence the name Shui Tu.Location: In the neck, at the anterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, at the midpoint of the line connecting Ren Ying and Qi She.Method: Find Ren Ying (sit upright, slightly tilt the head, measure about 2 horizontal fingers from the Adam’s apple outward), and Qi She (first find Ren Ying, then go straight down to the upper edge of the clavicle), the midpoint of the line connecting the two is the acupoint.11. Qi SheQi refers to the breath, and She means dwelling. This acupoint is located beside the trachea, like a dwelling for the breath, hence the name Qi She.Location: In the neck, at the upper edge of the inner end of the clavicle, between the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.Method: First find Ren Ying (sit upright, slightly tilt the head, measure about 2 horizontal fingers from the Adam’s apple outward), then go straight down to the upper edge of the clavicle.12. Que PenAlso known as Tian Gai, Chi Gai. Que means deficiency, and Pen means basin. This acupoint is located in the supraclavicular fossa, resembling a broken basin, hence the name Que Pen.Location: In the center of the supraclavicular fossa, 4 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Sit upright, find the depression directly above the clavicle along the midline of the chest, and press the midpoint of the depression.13. Qi HuQi refers to air, and Hu means door. The Qi Hu acupoint is at the upper end of the lung, level with the Yun Men point, symbolizing the entrance and exit of air into the lungs.Location: In the chest, at the lower edge of the midpoint of the clavicle, 4 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Sit upright, lean back, and find the depression where the midline of the chest intersects with the lower edge of the clavicle.14. Ku FangKu means dwelling, and Fang means beside. According to the Shuowen Jiezi: “The room is beside, with the main room in the middle and the sides being the east and west rooms.” The Huangdi Neijing states: “Located 1.6 cun below Qi Hu in the depression.” This acupoint treats symptoms related to the lungs, hence the name.Location: In the chest, at the first intercostal space, 4 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Sit upright or lie on your back, measure 3 intercostal spaces above the nipple along the vertical line, and press where there is a feeling of soreness.15. Wu YiWu means deep room, and Yi means hidden. This acupoint is located in the middle section of the lung, where the breath reaches like entering a deep room, hence the name Wu Yi.Location: In the chest, at the second intercostal space, 4 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Sit upright or lie on your back, measure 2 intercostal spaces above the nipple along the vertical line, and press where there is a feeling of soreness.16. RuzhongRu refers to the area below the breast, and Zhong means center. This acupoint is located at the center of the nipple, hence the name Ruzhong.Location: In the chest, at the fourth intercostal space, at the center of the nipple, 4 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Place the tip of the index finger at the center of the nipple, and the tip of the index finger is the acupoint.17. RugenRu refers to the breast, and Gen means root. This acupoint is located at the lower edge of the breast, hence the name Rugen.Location: In the chest, directly below the nipple, at the root of the breast, at the fifth intercostal space, 4 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Place the thumb on the breast, and the other four fingers below, with the index finger at the edge of the breast.18. Bu RongBu means not, and Rong means to contain. This acupoint belongs to the Stomach Meridian, located at the stomach area. When the stomach is full, it can no longer contain food, hence the name Bu Rong.Location: In the upper abdomen, 6 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Lie on your back, first locate the Zhong Wan point (in the upper abdomen, at the midpoint between the umbilicus and the xiphoid process), then find the midpoint between Zhong Wan and the xiphoid process, and press where there is a feeling of soreness.19. Cheng ManCheng means to bear, and Man means full. This acupoint is located 5 cun above the umbilicus, where the stomach can hold food and water, hence the name Cheng Man.Location: In the upper abdomen, 5 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Lie on your back, first find Bu Rong (lie on your back, first locate Zhong Wan), then measure 1 horizontal finger down from Bu Rong to find the acupoint.20. Liang MenLiang means grain, and Men means door. This acupoint is located 4 cun above the umbilicus, serving as the entrance for food into the stomach, hence the name Liang Men.Location: In the upper abdomen, 4 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Lie on your back, find the midpoint between the umbilicus and the xiphoid process, then measure 3 horizontal fingers to the side to find the acupoint.21. Guan MenGuan means barrier, and Men means door. This acupoint is located at the lower part of the stomach, at the junction of the stomach and intestines, hence the name Guan Men.Location: In the upper abdomen, 3 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Lie on your back, measure 4 horizontal fingers up from the umbilicus along the midline, then measure 3 horizontal fingers to the side to find the acupoint.22. Tai YiAlso known as Tai Yi (in Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang), Tai Yi means very large, and Yi refers to the center. This acupoint is located below the stomach, at the center of the abdomen, hence the name Tai Yi.Location: In the upper abdomen, 2 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Lie on your back, find the Zhong Wan point, and measure 3 horizontal fingers to the side to find the acupoint.23. Hua Rou MenHua Rou Men is also known as Hua You Men (the pylorus is the junction between the stomach and small intestine, hence the name). Location: In the upper abdomen, 1 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Lie on your back, measure 1 horizontal finger up from the umbilicus along the midline, then measure 3 horizontal fingers to the side to find the acupoint.24. Tian ShuAlso known as Chang Xi, Chang Xi, Gu Men, Xun Ji, Chang Gu, Da Chang Mu. Tian means sky, and Shu means pivot. The area above the umbilicus is Yang, and below is Yin, making the umbilicus the pivot point between heaven and earth, hence the name Tian Shu.Location: In the middle of the abdomen, 2 cun from the umbilicus.Method: Lie on your back, measure 3 horizontal fingers from the umbilicus to find the acupoint.25. Wai LingThis acupoint is located 1 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to the rectus abdominis. It represents the fullness of the abdomen, indicating a relationship between internal deficiency and external fullness. This acupoint is close to the Zu Taiyin abdominal junction. The Abdominal Junction is located 1.3 cun below the Tian Shu, and this acupoint is about 1.5 to 2 cun lateral to it. The term “Jie” implies stagnation and accumulation, indicating that there is an internal accumulation that manifests externally as fullness, hence the name Wai Ling.Location: In the lower abdomen, 1 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Lie on your back, measure 1 horizontal finger down from the umbilicus along the midline, then measure 3 horizontal fingers to the side to find the acupoint.26. Da JuAlso known as Ye Men, Ye Men. Da means full, and Ju means rich. This acupoint is located at the maximum bulge of the abdomen, corresponding to the small intestine and bladder, hence the name Da Ju. Its treatment is for abdominal distension and difficulty in urination.Location: In the lower abdomen, 2 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Lie on your back, measure 3 horizontal fingers down from the umbilicus along the midline, then measure 3 horizontal fingers to the side to find the acupoint.27. Shui DaoShui means liquid, and Dao means path. This acupoint is located deep in the lower abdomen, corresponding to the small intestine and bladder, hence the name Shui Dao.Location: In the lower abdomen, 3 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Lie on your back, measure 4 horizontal fingers down from the umbilicus along the midline, then measure 3 horizontal fingers to the side to find the acupoint.28. Gui LaiAlso known as Xi Xue, Ji Xue. Gui means to return, and Lai means to come. For those practicing health preservation, when inhaling, the abdominal qi rises, meeting the central qi at the Qi Hai point; when exhaling, the abdominal qi descends, returning to its original position, hence the name Gui Lai. This acupoint treats conditions such as male testicular retraction and female uterine prolapse, which are all related to qi disorders. It has the function of dispersing cold and regulating qi, hence the name Gui Lai.Location: In the lower abdomen, 4 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Lie on your back, measure 1 horizontal finger up from the pubic symphysis along the midline, then measure 3 horizontal fingers to the side to find the acupoint.29. Qi ChongAlso known as Qi Jie. Qi refers to the meridian qi, and Chong means to surge. This acupoint is located at the Qi Jie area, where the qi of the meridian begins, hence the name Qi Chong.Location: Above the groin, 5 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun from the anterior midline.Method: Lie on your back, measure 3 horizontal fingers to the side from the midpoint of the pubic symphysis.30. Bi GuanThis acupoint is located at the junction of the inner and outer pathways, referring to the thigh and lower limb. The upper bone above the knee is called Bi, and the lower end is called Chui, connecting to the knee joint. This acupoint is located at the front of the thigh, 12 cun above the knee. The qi of the meridian travels from the lower abdomen to the outer side of the thigh, hence the name Bi Guan.Location: On the front of the thigh, at the intersection of the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral edge of the patella, at the depression beside the sartorius muscle.Method: Lie on your back, flex the thigh, and the intersection of the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral edge of the patella is the acupoint.31. Fu TuAlso known as Wai Gou, Wai Qiu. Fu means to cover, and Tu refers to the rabbit. According to the Zhen Jiu Da Cheng, this acupoint is located 6 cun above the knee, where the muscle bulges like a rabbit when kneeling, hence the name Fu Tu.Location: On the front of the thigh, at the intersection of the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral edge of the patella, 6 cun above the patella.Method: Flex the knee at 90 degrees, press the leg, and the midpoint of the first horizontal line above the patella is the acupoint.32. Yin ShiAlso known as Yin Ding. Yin refers to the opposite of Yang, indicating cold symptoms, and Shi means accumulation. This acupoint is located below, easily affected by cold and dampness, hence the name Yin Shi.Location: On the front of the thigh, 3 cun above the lateral edge of the patella.Method: Sit upright, flex the knee, and measure 4 horizontal fingers above the lateral edge of the patella to find the acupoint.33. Liang QiuAlso known as Kua Gu, He Ding. Liang means beam, and Qiu means hill. This acupoint is located in the gap between the muscles above the knee, about 1 cun below Yin Shi, between the two muscles, hence the name Liang Qiu.Location: On the front of the thigh, 2 cun above the lateral edge of the patella.Method: Flex the knee, and the midpoint of the depression above the lateral edge of the patella is the acupoint.34. Du BiAlso known as Wai Xi Yan. Du means calf, and Bi means nose. This acupoint is located beside the patellar ligament, resembling a calf’s nose, hence the name Du Bi.Location: On the knee, in the depression beside the patellar ligament.Method: Flex the knee, and the depression below the lateral edge of the patella is the acupoint.35. Zu San LiAlso known as Gui Xie, Xia San Li, Xia Ling, Li. Zu means lower limb, and San Li means three cun. This acupoint is located 3 cun below the knee, hence the name Zu San Li.Location: On the anterior lateral side of the lower leg, 3 cun below Du Bi, 1 horizontal finger from the anterior edge of the tibia.Method: Stand and bend forward, using the same side hand to encircle the outer edge of the patella, with the fingertips pointing down to find the acupoint.36. Shang Ju XuAlso known as Shang Lin, Zu Shang Lian, Ju Ling Shang Lian. Shang means upper, Ju means large, and Xu means hollow. This acupoint is located above the large gap between the tibia and fibula, hence the name Shang Ju Xu.Location: On the anterior lateral side of the lower leg, 6 cun below Du Bi, 1 horizontal finger from the anterior edge of the tibia.Method: Sit and flex the knee, first find Zu San Li, then measure 4 horizontal fingers down to find the acupoint.37. Tiao KouTiao means long strip, and Kou means gap. This acupoint is located in the long strip gap between the tibia and fibula, hence the name Tiao Kou.Location: On the anterior lateral side of the lower leg, 8 cun below Du Bi, 1 horizontal finger from the anterior edge of the tibia.Method: Sit and flex the knee, at the midpoint between Du Bi and the lateral malleolus, 1 horizontal finger from the anterior edge of the tibia is the acupoint.38. Xia Ju XuAlso known as Xia Lin, Zu Xia Lian. Xia means lower, Ju means large, and Xu means hollow. This acupoint is located below the large gap between the tibia and fibula, hence the name Xia Ju Xu.Location: On the anterior lateral side of the lower leg, 9 cun below Du Bi, 1 horizontal finger from the anterior edge of the tibia.Method: Sit and flex the knee, first find Tiao Kou, then measure 1 horizontal finger down to find the acupoint.39. Feng LongFeng means large, and Long means prosperous. The Stomach Meridian is rich in qi and blood, representing the abundance of grain energy. This acupoint belongs to the Stomach Meridian, located at the bulging area of the muscle, hence the name Feng Long.Location: On the anterior lateral side of the lower leg, 8 cun above the lateral malleolus, 2 horizontal fingers from the anterior edge of the tibia.Method: Sit and flex the knee, first find Zu San Li, then measure 6 horizontal fingers down to find the acupoint.40. Jie XiAlso known as Cao Xie Dai, Xie Dai. Jie means to separate, and Xi means stream. This acupoint is located at the front of the ankle joint, in the depression between the tibia and the talus, where the shoelace is typically tied, hence the name Jie Xi.Location: At the junction of the foot and lower leg, in the central depression of the horizontal line, between the long extensor tendon of the toes and the long extensor tendon of the foot.Method: At the junction of the foot and lower leg, in the central depression of the horizontal line, between the two tendons is the acupoint.41. Chong YangAlso known as Hui Yuan, Hui Gu, Fu Yang, Hui Yong, Hui Qu. Chong means to surge. Yang refers to the back of the foot. When a person lifts their foot or kicks, the highest point of the foot is where the pulse is felt, hence the name Chong Yang.Location: At the highest point of the dorsum of the foot, between the long extensor tendon of the toes and the long extensor tendon of the foot, where the dorsalis pedis pulse is felt.Method: At the highest point of the dorsum of the foot, between the two tendons, where the pulse is felt is the acupoint.42. Xian GuAlso known as Xian Gu. Xian means to sink. Gu refers to the valley. The qi of the meridian flows from the Chong Yang point to the second and third metatarsophalangeal joints, resembling a valley, hence the name Xian Gu.Location: On the dorsum of the foot, at the depression in front of the second and third metatarsal bones.Method: On the dorsum of the foot, at the depression in front of the second and third metatarsal bones, where there is a feeling of soreness is the acupoint.43. Nei TingNei means inside, and Ting means courtyard. This acupoint is located between the second and third toes, at the webbing, hence the name Nei Ting.Location: On the dorsum of the foot, between the second and third toes, at the junction of the skin color.Method: Between the second and third toes, at the junction of the skin color is the acupoint.44. Li DuiThe Stomach Meridian “surrounds the mouth and lips”; the stomach is the sea of food and water, and food must enter through the mouth. This acupoint treats conditions such as mouth paralysis and related diseases, hence the name Li Dui.Location: At the outer side of the distal phalanx of the second toe, 0.1 cun from the corner of the toenail.Method: On the dorsum of the second toe, where the vertical lines from the outer edge of the toenail and the lower edge of the toenail intersect is the acupoint.
