ST-36 - Leg Three Miles
足三里 - Zú sān lǐ
Point Region: Shin
ST-36 Zusanli, meaning 'Leg Three Miles,' earned its name from the ancient belief that stimulating this point would give a traveler the energy to walk an additional three miles. Located on the outer shin below the knee, this legendary point serves as the body's primary generator of sustained energy and robust digestive fire—the kind of vitality that can literally carry us through life's long journeys.
Known throughout traditional medicine as one of the most powerful tonifying points in the entire body, Zusanli acts like a master chef in the kitchen of our metabolism, ensuring that everything we consume—food, experiences, emotions—gets properly transformed into usable energy rather than accumulated waste. This point bridges the gap between nourishment and vitality, teaching us that true strength comes from our ability to extract what we need from what life offers.
In the modern world of depleted energy and digestive challenges, ST-36 stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking sustainable wellness. Whether dealing with chronic fatigue, digestive disorders, or simply the everyday drain of contemporary life, this remarkable point offers a pathway to rebuild our energy reserves from the ground up, creating the kind of robust vitality that allows us to not just survive but truly thrive.
Location & How to Find
Anatomical Location: On the anterior aspect of the leg, 3 cun below the patella and one finger-breadth lateral to the tibia's anterior crest.
How to Locate:
- Find the bottom of your kneecap
- Measure 3 finger-widths down from the kneecap
- Move 1 finger-width toward the outside of your leg from the shin bone
- The point is in the muscle next to your shin bone

Primary Functions
Digestive System
- Strengthens stomach and spleen function
- Improves appetite and digestion
- Treats chronic gastritis and stomach weakness
- Relieves nausea and vomiting
- Regulates bowel function and metabolism
Immune & Energy System
- Boosts overall energy and vitality
- Strengthens immune system function
- Improves qi and blood production
- Enhances physical stamina and endurance
Emotional & Mental
- Reduces worry and anxiety
- Improves mental clarity and focus
- Calms the mind and reduces stress
- Supports emotional stability
Musculoskeletal System
- Treats leg weakness and fatigue
- Improves lower leg strength and function
- Relieves muscle tension and pain
Circulatory System
- Improves circulation throughout body
- Regulates blood pressure
Clinical Applications
Primary Indications
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Fatigue
- Edema
- Sciatica
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Immune weakness
- Chronic fatigue
- Digestive disorders
- Low energy
Related Health Concerns
Common Conditions:
Related Acupoints
Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.
ST-36 Protocols
Energy Boost & Immune Support (5 minutes)
- Sit with leg relaxed and knee slightly bent
- Locate ST-36 (3 cun below the patella, one finger-width lateral to the tibia)
- Apply firm pressure with thumb for 30 seconds on each leg
- Massage in circular motions for 1 minute to strengthen Qi and support immunity
- Repeat pressure while breathing slowly and visualizing vitality rising
Important Precautions
- Recent leg surgery
- Severe leg fracture
- Acute leg infection