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ST36 (Zusanli) – Moxibustion Acupoint Reference
Chinese Name: Zusanli (足三里)
Meridian: Stomach (Yangming)
Location: 4 finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width lateral to the tibia
Moxa Duration: 5-15 min | Distance: 2-3 cm
Evidence Level: Strong (multiple RCTs)
Location
ST36 is located 4 finger-widths below the kneecap, one finger-width lateral to the tibia, on the Stomach meridian. To find it: place your palm over your kneecap with fingers pointing down – ST36 is under your ring finger.
Clinical Indications for Moxibustion
- Digestive disorders: Bloating, nausea, poor appetite, IBS – most well-studied use
- Immune support: Increases white blood cell count and NK cell activity
- Fatigue and vitality: Used in traditional Chinese medicine for overall energy (Qi) deficiency
- Pain relief: Knee osteoarthritis, lower limb weakness, abdominal pain
- Longevity: Traditional use as a general health point
Moxibustion Protocol
| Parameter | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5-15 minutes per session |
| Distance | 2-3 cm from skin (warm, not burning) |
| Frequency | Daily for acute conditions, 2-3x/week for maintenance |
| Method | Indirect moxa (moxa stick held above point) |
| Contraindications | Avoid over scarred tissue or areas with reduced sensation |
Evidence Summary
A 2016 systematic review of 12 RCTs (n=1,024 patients) found ST36 moxibustion significantly improved digestive function scores and reduced inflammation markers (CRP, TNF-alpha) compared to medication alone. A 2019 meta-analysis reported a total effective rate of 89.2% for ST36 moxibustion in knee osteoarthritis, compared to 67.4% for conventional treatment.
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References
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