ST - Stomach Meridian

足阳明胃经 - Zú Yángmíng Wèi Jīng

In TCM theory, a channel (meridian) links an internal organ system with a line of points on the surface of the body.

In TCM, the Stomach channel is paired with the Spleen channel, and together they belong to the Earth phase. Traditional teaching links the Stomach with receiving and breaking down food, and with appetite.

Meridian Pathway & Flow

Direction

From the face to the foot (ST-1 to ST-45)

Pathway

  • Starts: ST-1, on the face directly below the pupil
  • Face and neck: Down the face and jaw and the front of the neck
  • Chest and abdomen: Down the chest and the abdomen
  • Leg: Down the front of the thigh and the outer side of the shin to the foot
  • Ends: ST-45, at the corner of the second toenail
  • Internal course (TCM theory): Connects with the stomach
  • Next channel (TCM theory): Links to the Spleen channel at SP-1 on the big toe

Traditional Organ-Clock Time

7–9 AM

ST Stomach Meridian pathway illustration

Traditional Functions (TCM)

The Stomach in TCM theory

  • Receives and breaks down food
  • Is linked with appetite
  • Works with the Spleen in digestion
  • Is linked with the face, the front of the body and the legs along its course

Essential Acupoints

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Traditional Applications

In TCM, points on this channel are traditionally used for

  • Indigestion and bloating
  • Nausea
  • Heartburn
  • Loss of appetite
  • Facial and jaw pain
  • Knee pain
  • Headache at the front of the head

ST Routines

Stomach Channel Routine (5 minutes)

  1. Sit with knees bent and relaxed
  2. Press ST-36 firmly for 1 minute on each leg
  3. Press ST-25 gently for 30 seconds on each side
  4. Finish with ST-44 for 30 seconds on each foot

All ST Points

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Precautions

Pressure

  • Use gentle pressure on the abdominal points; firmer pressure suits the leg points

After meals

  • Avoid pressing the abdominal points straight after a heavy meal

Neck

  • ST-9 lies over the carotid artery: press it only lightly, and never on both sides at once

Pregnancy

  • ST-19 to ST-29 are traditionally avoided in pregnancy; see each point's page