When to use: around breakfast, when digestion feels sluggish, or for jawline and facial toning.
| Element | Earth |
|---|---|
| Organ | Stomach |
| Paired with | Spleen Meridian |
| Peak hours | 7–9 a.m. (Chen hour) |
| Number of points | 45 |
| Starts at | Cheng Qi (ST1) |
| Ends at | Li Dui (ST45) |
| Pathway type | Three Yang of the Foot · head to foot |
| Emotion | Overthinking/Worry |
| Color | Yellow |
The pathway
Begins at Cheng Qi (ST1) directly below the eye, descends over the cheek and jaw, runs down the front of the neck, the nipple line of the chest, and the abdomen (2 cun from the midline), then follows the front of the thigh and the outer side of the shinbone to end at Li Dui (ST45) on the second toe.
Its hour on the meridian clock
7–9 a.m. (Chen hour) · Hexagram Guai (Breakthrough). Yang is nearly full. A warm breakfast lights the fire for your day.
Key points
- Five transporting points: Li Dui (ST45), Nei Ting (ST44), Xian Gu (ST43), Jie Xi (ST41), Zu San Li (ST36)
- Source (yuan) point: Chong Yang (ST42)
- Connecting (luo) point: Feng Long (ST40)
- Cleft (xi) point: Liang Qiu (ST34)
- Front-mu point: Zhong Wan (CV12)
- Back-shu point: Wei Shu (BL21)
A simple tapping routine
Make loose fists and tap from the front of the thigh down the outer side of the shinbone to the top of the foot, 36 times per side.
Foods traditionally linked to this meridian
Millet, pumpkin, corn, sweet potato, soybeans
Everyday tips
- Women: Glide along the Stomach Meridian daily (front of the thigh to the outer shin) and pair it with facial gua sha for a brighter complexion.
- Men: Tap Zu San Li (ST36), eat at regular times, and go easy on iced drinks.
- Elders: Press Zu San Li (ST36) for 5 minutes a day—it's traditionally nicknamed the "longevity point."
Six ways to work with your meridians →
See all twelve on one chart: The 12 Meridians Wall Chart →
We don't promise. We don't cure. We align. This article is for everyday wellness and cultural education only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a health concern, talk with your doctor first.
