Stomach 36 // Zu San Li // Leg Three Miles⠀ ⠀ If you have ever had acupuncture, chances are you have had this point needled. It is located on the front of your shin a few inches below the knee. It lies on the Stomach channel, which begins underneath the eye, travels down to the neck, over the chest and abdomen, makes a path along the outermost part of the the front of the thigh, goes down the leg and traverses the top of the foot, ending at the second toe. This point is found on both legs as all channels are bilateral. ⠀ ⠀ Stomach 36 is used for many purposes. There is a legend that a weary traveler, traveling on foot, stimulated this point to boost their energy to be able to finish their trek. The Yang (Ming) Brightness channels which are Stomach and Large Intestine, are said to be full of Qi and Blood. This means that these channels can be used to help boost your energy, immune system and overall health. A common pairing of points is Stomach 36 and Large Intestine 10 [found on the forearm near the elbow] which helps boost and gently move qi. ⠀ ⠀ It can be difficult to translate from chinese medicine to western medicine what this point can benefit, but generally Stomach 36:⠀ ⠀ *Boosts Immunity/ prevents diseases⠀ *Improves Digestion⠀ *Harmonizes Intestines: constipation, diarrhea⠀ *Strengthens weakness: conditions that are depleting⠀ ⠀ In chinese medicine, one point doesn’t correlate to one certain condition, they are used in different combinations with other points specific to the patient's constitution and chief complaint. In today's society, people are constantly running themselves into the ground and usually need a little boost. Stomach 36 is a great point for that and is one reason why it is commonly used by most therapists. ⠀ ⠀ So, the next time you are feeling a little rundown, stimulate Stomach 36 by rubbing the area, and make an appointment with one of our talented acupuncturists to help boost your qi! Visit us at blueheroncharleston.com to learn more!