ST 36 and Tung's Points on the Stomach Meridian and Superficial Front Line

There are many advantages to knowing how meridians correspond to myofascial lines. In this post, I will discuss how we can integrate TCM points with the wisdom of Master Tung’s points. This is useful for refining our point prescriptions by making subtle adjustments in what points we choose to needle.

Author: OpenStax College

One common thing I hear from many people is that they don’t grasp Master Tung’s points. This usually relates to both the location and function of the points. However, if we take a step back to see the forest through the trees, and keep Tung’s point locations and functions in the context of meridians and myofascial lines, things make a lot more sense.

For instance, ST 36 is one of the most commonly used points in acupuncture. In the Tung system, there is a group of points known as the Four Flowers (77.08, 77.09, 77.11). Before we go into the location, let’s first observe that these points function similarly to ST 36 and are often needled together as a three-point unit. Similar to ST 36, the Four Flowers are used for gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiac disorders. The similar functions are notable, and it is worth reflecting on the parallel in functions.

In regards to location, the first point (77.08) is located 3 cun below ST 35, similar to ST 36, but is 1 cun medial to ST 36 between the tibia and tibialis anterior muscle. This places 77.08 in a depression between the tibia and tibialis anterior muscle. This space is full of connective tissue and fascia, and it is common to feel nodules in this area and down the edge of the tibia. As 77.08 and the Four Flowers are located in an area full of connective tissue, it gives credence to the role of fascia and myofascial lines in relating to the pathway of meridians and the function of points.

Rather than thinking of the Four Flowers in a different location from the ST meridian, it is useful to think of them on the same myofascial line as the ST meridian. The myofascial line that resembles the stomach meridian is known as the Superficial Front Line (SFL) and includes the tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, and extensor hallicus longus muscles.

One of the biggest breakthroughs I had in working with Master Tung’s points was when I realized that many of his points are on the regular meridians. Similarly, for points that are 1 - 1.5 cun off any given meridian, they are usually still located on the same myofascial line as the conventional TCM points and share many of the same point functions.

Another group of points on the SFL / ST meridian are the points known as Besides Three Miles (77.22 & 77.23). The first point 77.22 is 1.5 cun lateral to ST 36 and between the ST and GB meridians. Like other points on the stomach meridian, these points are used for abdominal pain, toothaches, sinus congestion, and headaches.

Staying on the SFL but moving distally, we find another group of Master Tung points known as the Three Weights. These points are used for liver overacting on spleen patterns, abdominal disorders, and neurological conditions affecting the head and face.

Rather than being overwhelmed by differences in the actions, indications, and locations of these various points, it is useful to note the primary similarities between the points. Namely, ST 36 and other stomach meridian points are known for treating many of the same conditions as the Four Flowers. This includes gastrointestinal, respiratory, and cardiovascular disorders. Stomach 36 is also similar to the Three Weights in that both can be used for liver-spleen disharmonies resulting in abdominal problems.

The point group Beside Three Miles (77.22, 77.23) is similar to ST 36 in that it treats abdominal pain and symptoms related to the stomach meridian such as sinusitis, toothaches, and headaches. Additionally, Beside Three Miles is similar to the Three Weights because both are used for neurological conditions of the head and face including headaches, migraines, facial paralysis, and Bell’s palsy.

Similar to TCM theories about points on any given meridian affecting the whole meridian and corresponding zang-fu organs, points on the same myofascial line often have similar functions, especially when they are in the same region of the body. Fully grasping this allows us to integrate Tung’s points into common TCM practices. Once we see the similarities in various points on the same myofascial line, we can better understand their functions.

Extending this logic and examining the muscles each of the points and point groups is located on also gives tremendous insights about point functions. For instance, the point group Besides Three Miles (77.22 & 77.23) is located in the extensor digitorum longus, and the Three Weights (77.05, 77.06, and 77.07) are in the extensor hallicus longus. Note that both of these groups are located in extensor muscles and that both are used for neurological disorders of the head and face.

Summary

The points we have been discussing in this post include ST 36, Three Weights, Four Flowers, and Besides Three Miles, and all of them are located in the lower leg and on the SFL. Neurologically, these points are in the L4/L5 myotome and thus are innervated by nerves exiting the spine from the level of L4 and L5. Therefore, these points are on the same myofascial line and have the same nerve roots at L4 and L5.

This brings us to an important conclusion, which is that points in the same body region, on the same myofascial line, and in the same myotome have similar functions.

Understanding the link between meridians and myofascial lines, and between Tung's numbering system and myotomes, makes learning point indications much easier. Clinically, this is useful because we can select from various points in a key region, myofascial line, and myotome for specific results. By integrating TCM and meridian theory, with myofascial lines and myotomes, a holistic system of pattern identification emerges that allows for more refined point prescriptions and better clinical results.