ST-43 - Sunken Valley

陷谷 - Xiàn gǔ

Point Region: Foot

ST

Stomach Meridian

足阳明胃经 - Zú Yángmíng Wèi Jīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the top of the foot, between the second and third metatarsal bones, in the hollow just behind the joint at the base of the second toe (the second metatarsophalangeal joint).

How to Locate:

  1. Find the knuckle at the base of your second toe on the top of the foot
  2. Move just behind it, between the second and third toe bones
  3. The point is in the hollow there
ST-43 (Sunken Valley) acupressure point location: On the top of the foot, between the second and third metatarsal bones, in the hollow just behind the joint at the base of the second toe (the second metatarsophalangeal joint).

How to Apply Pressure

Once you have found ST-43 in the hollow behind the second toe's knuckle, press gently with a fingertip and keep it comfortable. Avoid it after recent foot surgery, if the foot is injured or swollen, or during acute digestive symptoms needing medical assessment.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Intestinal sounds
  • Facial edema
  • Lower abdominal swelling
  • Foot pain
  • Digestive problems
  • Face swelling
  • Stomach problems

Related Health Concerns

Stomach Cramps

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

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Recent foot surgery
  • Severe foot injury
  • Acute digestive disorders