May 2025 – Spotlight on Acupuncture point St36 – ‘Zusanli: Leg Three Miles’

ST36: The Acupuncture Point for Vitality and Balance

ST36, also known as Zusanli, is one of the most renowned and widely used acupuncture points in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Located on the Stomach meridian, this point holds a reputation as a powerhouse for promoting overall health, boosting immunity, and enhancing energy.

Zusanli translates to “Leg Three Miles.”
According to classical Chinese medicine, stimulating this point was said to give a person the strength to walk another three miles even when fatigued. The name reflects its energizing, endurance-boosting effects — making it a go-to point for physical and mental resilience.


Where is ST36 Located?

ST36 is found on the anterior aspect of the lower leg, roughly four finger-widths below the bottom of the kneecap (patella) and one finger-width lateral to the tibia’s anterior crest. When you flex your foot or press into the area, you might feel a slight dip — that’s ST36.

Functions and Benefits of ST36

This point is often referred to as a “tonification point” due to its versatile range of benefits. Here’s what makes ST36 essential in both clinical acupuncture and self-care:

  • Boosts Immune Function: Regular stimulation of ST36 can strengthen the body’s defenses, making it a popular point for preventing colds and chronic illnesses.

  • Improves Digestion: As it lies on the Stomach meridian, ST36 regulates gastrointestinal function, relieving issues like bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and indigestion.

  • Increases Energy and Reduces Fatigue: Known for its ability to tonify Qi (life force energy), ST36 helps combat chronic tiredness and supports stamina.

  • Promotes Mental Clarity and Emotional Balance: It has calming effects on the mind and is used to reduce anxiety, stress, and even depressive symptoms.

  • Pain Relief: It’s often used in treatment for knee pain, leg fatigue, and general discomfort in the lower limbs.

  • Supports Longevity: Ancient texts note that regular activation of ST36 contributes to increased lifespan and vitality.

Whether you’re looking to boost your immune system, enhance digestion, or simply feel more energized and balanced, ST36 is a point worth knowing. It embodies the holistic power of acupuncture to treat the body and mind as an integrated whole.