Powerful Points - STOMACH (ST) 36

Sorry about lack of input over last few days - a combination of being too busy writing the book and generally catching up with life and leting my neck settle. I'm carrying on with important acupoints (let me know if you want any different stuff that hasn't been covered over the past 2 years).

Today I describe one of the most influential acupoints on the body that may be used with needle, moxa and pressure giving different reactions with this polychrest of a point. ST 36 is situated within the fibres of the tibilais anterior muscle, approximately one finger width lateral to the tibial crest (shin bone) with the quadriceps insertion on the tibial tuberosity. When using needle you have to be aware that there is a distinct de qi sensation and often the patient will gladly inform you that you have 'hit a nerve' They will feel the sensation travelling right down to the ankle. This point answers very well to moxa either as a cone or a stick and is also a brilliant self help point in acupressure.

Indications : Afflictions of the mouth, bitter taste, frequent vomiting, gastralgia and gastro-enteritis, chronic constipation, colic and diaphragmatic spasms. The general indications are anxiety, hypertension, dyspnoea, urethritis, incontinence and difficulty in urination, ezcema, headaches, vertigo, pain, leg weakness and oedema.

The special properties with this point is that it is probably our greatest point in the treatment of tiredness, lethargy and general lack of fibre. To remedy these symtoms you can either use stimulating needles, better still moxa or vigorous acupressure. I well remember using this point to great effect when doing pre-event acupressure/acupuncture on top class athletes. To treat the more acute gastric problems e.g. gastritis and upset tummy, you just need to hold the point with a fairly deep contact. It is a great self help point in spinal muscle and diaphragm muscle spasm. The point is directly associated with the mid thoracic region that gives its sympathetic nerve flow to the diaphragm and stomach - that's why it works. More anon - JRC