Stomach Channel

Chongyang ST-42

Chinese: 冲阳

Pinyin: Chōng Yáng

Location

Distal to Jiexi ST-41, at the highest point of the dorsum of foot, between the tendons of the extensor hallucis longus and the extensor digitorum longus, directly lateral to the point where the dorsalis pedis artery may be palpated.

The point is bordered proximally by the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones and distally by the 2nd and 3rd cuneiform bones. 

How to locate

First identify Xiangu ST-43 in the depression between the base of the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones. 

Then identify Jiexi ST-41 between the tendons of extensor digitorum and the extensor hallucis longus muscle. Approximately at the level of the tip of the external malleolus. 

Palpate from ST-43 towards ST-41 and locate Chongyang ST-42 at the highest point of the foot dorsum, lateral to the tendon of the extensor hallucis longus. 

Main actions

  1. Tonifies the Stomach and the Spleen
  2. Calms the Mind
  3. Removes Obstructions from the Channel

Indications

Streaking Face pain Toothache Depression Mouth pain Swollen face Foot atrophy Eye deviation Epigastric pain Mouth deviation Foot dorsum pain Abdominal distension Foot dorsum swelling

Needling

Vertically 0.2–0.5 cun.

Caution: Dorsalis pedis artery

Commentary for Chongyang ST-42

As the Source-Yuan point of the Stomach Channel, Chongyang ST-42 tonifies the Stomach and the Spleen, so as to strengthen their functions of receiving and ripening foods as well as transforming them to food Essence, Qi and Blood. As a result, it also regulates the Intestines and the Middle Burner. Typical manifestations include abdominal distension and epigastric pain. 

Furthermore, it has a powerful effect in treating Painful Obstruction Syndrome due to Cold invasion in foot, characterized by swelling and pain of dorsum of foot as well as atrophy of foot. In this case, it is often used together with Yangchi TB-4. 

Finally, it calms the Mind as well.