ST-41 - Stream Divide

解溪 - Jiě xī

Point Region: Ankle

ST

Stomach Meridian

足阳明胃经 - Zú Yángmíng Wèi Jīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: At the front of the ankle, in the hollow at the centre of the front of the ankle joint, between two tendons (extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus). It is midway between the most prominent points of the inner and outer ankle bones.

How to Locate:

  1. Pull your foot and toes up so the tendons at the front of the ankle stand out
  2. Find the midpoint between your inner and outer ankle bones
  3. The point is in the hollow there, between the big-toe tendon and the tendon to the other toes
ST-41 (Stream Divide) acupressure point location: At the front of the ankle, in the hollow at the centre of the front of the ankle joint, between two tendons (extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus).

How to Apply Pressure

With ST-41 found between the front ankle tendons, rest a fingertip lightly in the hollow and never dig into the joint. Avoid it after recent ankle surgery or an acute ankle sprain, and seek care if the ankle is badly swollen.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

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

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

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

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