The crouching rabbit of the thigh. Futu (ST-32) is a powerful local point on the Stomach Meridian (ST), reaching deep into the muscles of the upper leg — clearing Cold, moving Qi and Blood (Xue), and helping restore strength and movement to the lower limb.
Contraindications
ST-32 is a safe point in the thick muscle of the thigh and carries no special contraindications. Use standard clean-needle technique and respect the depth guidelines.
Name & story
The name 伏兔 Futu means "Crouching Rabbit." When the thigh muscles are contracted and firm, the shape of the bulging quadriceps is said to resemble a rabbit crouching low in the grass, ready to spring. It is a wonderfully vivid image — the ancient physicians had an eye for the living form of the body. Find that soft mound of muscle on the front of the thigh, and you have found the crouching rabbit.
Point family & character
Futu (ST-32) belongs to the Stomach Meridian (ST). It is a straightforward channel point — not a special category point — but its position in the belly of the quadriceps muscle makes it one of the most important local points on the entire thigh, and a key point for conditions of the lower limb.
Five-element dynamics
The Stomach Meridian (ST) belongs to the Earth element and carries Yang Qi downward through the leg. ST-32 sits high on the thigh, right in the thick of the channel's pathway. When Cold or Wind invades this stretch of the meridian, Qi and Blood (Xue) stagnate, the muscles tighten, and the leg loses its strength and freedom. By warming and moving what is stuck here, Futu helps the Earth element's nourishing energy flow freely all the way down the limb.
Location
On the front of the thigh, 6 Cun above the superior lateral border of the patella, on a line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) with the lateral border of the patella. It sits in the fleshy middle of the quadriceps, roughly in the center of the thigh's front surface. Note that ST-34 (Liangqiu) lies 2 Cun above the patella, so ST-32 is 4 Cun above ST-34.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies in the belly of the rectus femoris muscle, part of the quadriceps group. The lateral femoral circumflex artery and vein, and branches of the femoral nerve, are found in this region.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly, straight into the thick muscle belly. A strong, spreading sensation through the thigh is typical and desirable.
Safe depth
Perpendicular insertion 1–2 Cun, into the substantial muscle belly.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Moxa is well suited to this point, especially when Cold or Cold-Dampness has invaded the channel and caused stiffness or aching in the thigh. Warming the point with a moxa stick encourages Blood (Xue) circulation and dispels Cold from the muscles. Cupping over the area and Tui Na massage along the quadriceps can complement needling for local muscle problems.
Functions
Activates the Stomach Meridian (ST) and alleviates pain. Dispels Wind, Cold and Dampness from the channel. Moves Qi and Blood (Xue) in the thigh. Tonifies Qi and Blood (Xue) in the local channel to support the leg. Affects the blood vessels of the region.
Indications
Pain, stiffness, numbness or weakness of the thigh and knee — especially when aggravated by Cold or Dampness. Difficulty raising the leg or walking. Lower limb paralysis and Wind-stroke sequelae (hemiplegia). Atrophy of the leg muscles. Cold, soreness or aching of the lumbar region and lower limb. The point is described in the sources as important for tonifying Qi and Blood (Xue) in the Stomach channel and facilitating the raising of the leg — particularly valuable when a person has difficulty walking.
Point combinations
With ST-31 (Biguan) — an important pairing for tonifying Qi and Blood (Xue) in the Stomach channel and helping to restore the ability to raise the leg in hemiplegia or weakness. With GB-30 (Huantiao) and GB-31 (Fengshi) — for Wind-stroke rehabilitation and lower limb paralysis, moving Qi and Blood (Xue) through the entire leg. With ST-34 (Liangqiu) and ST-36 (Zusanli) — for channel Qi disorders along the Stomach Meridian (ST) pathway through the thigh and knee.
Clinical spotlight
One of the most direct and honest points in the lower limb: no elaborate category, just a powerful local station of the Stomach Meridian (ST) sitting in a thick band of muscle. Maciocia specifically singles out ST-32 as a local point for the Stomach channel that affects blood vessels, and notes it alongside ST-31 as key for facilitating the raising of the leg — a function of enormous practical importance in stroke rehabilitation and any condition where walking is compromised. Its depth in dense muscle means it can receive a strong stimulus when needed.
The golden tip
For aching, heavy or stiff thighs — from cold weather, long sitting or tiredness — you can massage the front of the thigh in firm, slow circles around the mid-thigh area where ST-32 sits. Applying a warm pack or heat pad over the quadriceps for 10–15 minutes works in the same spirit as Moxa: it warms the channel, moves Blood (Xue) and eases stiffness. Gentle self-massage along the whole front of the thigh before walking is a simple and practical daily habit.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.