ST-33 - Yin Market

阴市 - Yīn shì

Point Region: Leg/Thigh

ST

Stomach Meridian

足阳明胃经 - Zú Yángmíng Wèi Jīng

ST-33 Yinshi, meaning 'Yin Market,' is a point that warms the channel and alleviates knee pain. Located on the thigh, it is a key point for addressing a wide range of issues that are caused by 'cold' or stagnation in the knee. Its name, 'Yin Market,' alludes to its ability to bring a sense of order and harmony to the body's entire system.

Think of Yinshi as a point that helps to 'warm the market' of your knee. It's invaluable for addressing issues like knee pain, a feeling of 'cold' in the knee, and a feeling of 'stuckness' in the knee. By warming the channel and alleviating knee pain, it helps to restore a sense of ease and freedom.

By warming the channel and alleviating knee pain, ST-33 helps to restore a sense of balance and inner peace. It's a point that reminds us that our true power comes from a well-regulated and harmonious body.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: Between the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscles, often tender on palpation in cases of lower limb dysfunction.

How to Locate:

  1. Sit with your leg relaxed
  2. Find the groove between the two main muscles on the front of your thigh
  3. Locate the point about 3 inches above your kneecap
  4. The point is in this depression between the front thigh muscles
Location illustration for Between the rectus femoris and vastus lateralis muscles, often tender on palpation in cases of lower limb dysfunction.

Primary Functions

Musculoskeletal System

  • Treats knee pain and dysfunction
  • Relieves thigh muscle tension and weakness
  • Improves leg mobility and strength
  • Treats muscle cramps and spasms

Nervous System

  • Treats numbness and nerve pain in thigh
  • Relieves sciatic nerve irritation
  • Improves sensation and nerve function

Digestive System

  • Harmonizes stomach qi in lower body
  • Treats digestive weakness affecting mobility

Circulatory System

  • Improves circulation in thigh and knee
  • Reduces inflammation and swelling

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Excessive thirst
  • Lower abdominal fullness
  • Cold lumbar pain
  • Knee pain
  • Leg paralysis
  • Leg weakness
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Back pain

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

N/A

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

ST-33 Protocols

N/A

Important Precautions

  • Recent leg surgery
  • Severe muscle tears
  • Acute knee injury