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Stomach Meridian (Yang Ming)

ST Zu Yang Ming Wei Jing 足阳明胃经 Aarde Yang Ming 📍 45 points ➡️ Gezicht → Voet 🔗 Paired with SP 🕐 07:00–09:00

Introduction & pathophysiology

The Stomach Meridian (Yang Ming) is responsible for food and fluid absorption. In dysfunction, we see digestive issues like bloating, nausea, vomiting, facial pain, jaw tension, knee pain, and mental issues like excessive worrying. The 45 points run from the face via the trunk to the foot. The peak hour is from 07:00 to 09:00.

Functions within TCM

1. Food and fluid absorption
2. Produces Qi and Blood
3. Regulates digestion
4. Influences breasts and face
5. Nourishes muscles

Clinical applications

**Digestive:** Gastritis, reflux, constipation, diarrhea
**Face:** Facial pain, jaw tension, toothache
**Knee/leg:** Knee pain, arthritis, muscle weakness
**Mental:** Worrying, anxiety, insomnia
**General:** Fatigue, low energy

Primary dysfunction patterns

Stomach Qi deficiencyFatigue, poor appetite, fullnessStomach Yin deficiencyThirst, dry mouth, red tongueStomach HeatHunger, bad breath, ulcersCold StomachAbdominal pain, warmth seeking, pale face

Key points

ST-36Fatigue, strengthening, digestionST-25Constipation, diarrhea, menstruationST-40Phlegm, cough, asthmaST-44Toothache, sore throat, feverST-45Sleepwalking, mental disorders

Point selection per pattern

Stomach Qi deficiencyST-36, ST-25(moxa)CV-6Stomach Yin deficiencyST-44, ST-45KI-6, CV-4Stomach HeatST-44, ST-45LI-4, LI-11Cold StomachST-36(moxa), ST-25(moxa)CV-12(moxa)

All points of the Stomach Meridian (Yang Ming)

ST-1
Tears Container
Chengqi
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-2
Four Directions Brightness
Sibai
📍 On the face, in the depression of the infraorbital foramen
💊 Eye disorders, facial paralysis, itchy eyes, strabismus
📖 View details
ST-3
Large Bone Hole
Juliao
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-4
Earth Granary
Dicang
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-5
Large Receptacle
Daying
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-6
Jaw Bone
Jiache
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-7
Below the Arch
Xiaguan
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-8
Head's Corner
Touwei
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-9
Man's Prognosis
Renying
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-10
Liquid Passage
Shuitu
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-11
Residence of Breath Qi
Qishe
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-12
Empty Basin
Quepen
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-13
Door of Breath
Qihu
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-14
Breath Storeroom
Kufang
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-15
Hiding the Breath
Wuyi
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-16
Breast Window
Yingchuang
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-17
Breast Centre (Nipple)
Ruzhong
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-18
Breast Root
Rugen
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-19
Not Contained
Burong
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-20
Receiving Fullness
Chengman
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-21
Beam Gate
Liangmen
📍 On the upper abdomen, 4 cun above the umbilicus, on the midline
💊 Stomach pain, vomiting, acid regurgitation, abdominal distension
📖 View details
ST-22
Shutting the Gate
Guanmen
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-23
Great Unity
Taiyi
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-24
Chime Gate
Huaroumen
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-25
Heavenly Pivot
Tianshu
📍 On the abdomen, 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus
💊 Diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, bloating, IBS, dysentery, menstrual pain
📖 View details
ST-26
Outer Mound
Wailing
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-27
Great Bulge
Daju
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-28
Waterway
Shuidao
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-29
Restoring Position
Guilai
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-30
Qi Surge
Qichong
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-31
Thigh Gate
Biguan
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-32
Crouching Rabbit
Futu
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-33
Yin Market
Yinshi
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-34
Ridge Mound
Liangqiu
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-35
Calf's Nose
Dubi
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-36
Leg Three Miles
Zusanli
📍 On the anterior lower leg, 3 cun below the knee, one fingerbreadth lateral from the anterior tibial crest
💊 Fatigue, poor immunity, digestive disorders, general weakness, leg pain, edema, shock
📖 View details
ST-37
Upper Great Void
Shangjuxu
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-38
Ribbon Opening
Tiaokou
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-39
Lower Large Hollow
Xiajuxu
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-40
Abundant Bulge
Fenglong
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-41
Dividing Cleft
Jiexi
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-42
Surging Yang
Chongyang
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-43
Sunken Valley
Xiangu
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details
ST-44
Inner Court
Neiting
📍 On the dorsum of the foot, between the 2nd and 3rd toes, distal to the metatarsophalangeal joints
💊 Heat-type migraine, toothache, sore throat, epistaxis, facial swelling, constipation, fever, agitation
📖 View details
ST-45
Running Point
Lidui
📍 Along the Stomach meridian pathway on the face, chest, abdomen, leg, foot
💊 Digestive disorders (stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), facial disorders, knee and leg pain, fatigue, low immunity
📖 View details

Contraindications & safety

ST-13 to ST-18Pneumothorax risk - no deeper than 0.5 cunST-25 to ST-30Caution during pregnancyST-40Avoid with weakness

Relation with other meridians

Exterior-interior with Spleen (SP)
Cooperation with Stomach (ST) and Spleen (SP) for digestion
Reinforcing back points: BL-21, BL-20

Clinical notes

Stomach time: 07:00-09:00
Breakfast is important during this period
ST-36 is the most important strengthening point

Comorbidity & drug interactions

AntacidsMay reduce ST-25 effect - assess before treatmentPainkillersMask stomach pain - be alert for ulcersChemotherapyIncreases Yin deficiency - support with ST-36

Prognostic signs

Weak pulse at ST-42|Chronic digestive issues
Rapid pulse|Acute gastritis - good prognosis
Deep, weak pulse|Long-term treatment

Conclusion

The Stomach Meridian is crucial for all digestive problems and for energy and vitality.