ST-41 - Stream Divide

解溪 - Jiě xī

Point Region: Ankle

ST

Stomach Meridian

足阳明胃经 - Zú Yángmíng Wèi Jīng

ST-41 Jiexi, meaning 'Stream Divide,' is the 'Jing-River' and 'Fire' point. Located on the ankle, it is a master point for clearing heat and calming the 'Shen.' Its name, 'Stream Divide,' alludes to its ability to bring a sense of order and harmony to the body's entire system.

Think of Jiexi as a point that helps to 'divide the stream' of your emotions. It's invaluable for addressing issues like a feeling of 'heat' in the body, a restless spirit, and a feeling of being 'overwhelmed.' By clearing heat and calming the Shen, it helps to restore a sense of ease and freedom.

By clearing heat and calming the Shen, ST-41 helps to restore a sense of balance and inner peace. It's a point that reminds us that our true power comes from a calm and unburdened body.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: Located on the ankle crease, between the tendons of the extensor muscles, in the depression at the midpoint of the ankle joint.

How to Locate:

  1. Find the crease where your ankle bends
  2. Feel for the tendons that lift your foot up
  3. Find the depression between these tendons in the center
  4. The point is in this hollow at your ankle crease
Location illustration for Located on the ankle crease, between the tendons of the extensor muscles, in the depression at the midpoint of the ankle joint.

Primary Functions

Musculoskeletal System

  • Treats ankle pain and stiffness
  • Relieves foot and ankle swelling
  • Improves ankle mobility and function
  • Treats ankle sprains and injuries

Nervous System

  • Treats headaches and dizziness
  • Calms the mind and reduces anxiety
  • Improves mental clarity and focus
  • Treats epilepsy and seizure disorders

Digestive System

  • Harmonizes stomach qi affecting head and feet
  • Treats stomach disorders affecting mental clarity

Emotional & Mental

  • Reduces worry and mental agitation
  • Calms emotional stress and tension
  • Improves emotional balance and stability

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Foot drop
  • Facial swelling
  • Abdominal distention
  • Difficulty defecating
  • Increased appetite with poor digestion
  • Ankle pain
  • Ankle stiffness
  • Digestive problems

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

N/A

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

ST-41 Protocols

N/A

Important Precautions

  • Recent ankle surgery
  • Severe ankle fracture
  • Acute ankle sprain