The great intestine point of the lower leg. Shangjuxu (ST-37) is the Lower He-Sea point of the Large Intestine — the special meeting place where the Large Intestine channel draws its deeper support from the Stomach. When the bowels are troubled, inflamed or simply out of rhythm, this is a natural first choice.
Contraindications
Shangjuxu (ST-37) is a safe and widely used point on the lower leg with no special contraindications. Use clean technique and stay within the recommended depth.
Name & story
The name 上巨虚 Shangjuxu means something like "Upper Great Hollow" or "Upper Great Emptiness". Picture the long shin bone running down the leg — beside it, between the muscles, there is a noticeable hollow or groove. This point sits in the upper part of that great hollow, while its companion Xiajuxu ST-39 ("Lower Great Hollow") sits further down. The "great" in the name speaks to the size and importance of the space — and, perhaps, to the significance of the point itself.
Point family & character
Shangjuxu (ST-37) belongs to the Stomach Meridian (ST). Its most important character is as the Lower He-Sea point of the Large Intestine (LI) channel — a special category of points where the Yang organ's Qi descends to meet the leg channel for deeper treatment. It is also listed among the eight points that clear Heat from the Stomach, alongside Qichong ST-30, Zusanli ST-36 and Xiajuxu ST-39.
Five-element dynamics
The Stomach Meridian (ST) is the great Yang channel of the Earth element — abundant in Qi and Blood (Xue). Shangjuxu ST-37 draws on this abundance in a particular way: as the Lower He-Sea of the Large Intestine, it is the place on the leg where the Large Intestine's Qi roots itself. In Chinese medicine, the He-Sea points are where the channel's Qi "enters the interior" — goes deep — and this is why they are so effective for treating the organs themselves. Shangjuxu ST-37 reaches directly into the Large Intestine, regulating its Qi, clearing Damp-Heat from its walls, and restoring the smooth passage that digestion depends on.
Location
On the lower leg, 6 Cun below ST-35 (the hollow at the outer side of the kneecap), or 3 Cun directly below Zusanli ST-36, one finger's width lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia. It sits in the same vertical line as ST-36 and ST-39, in the groove between the shin bone and the tibialis anterior muscle.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies in the tibialis anterior muscle, beside the anterior crest of the tibia.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly, straight into the muscle belly beside the shin bone.
The golden tip
For bowel discomfort, loose stools or abdominal cramping, try gently pressing or massaging Shangjuxu ST-37: find it by measuring 6 Cun below the outer hollow of the knee (or 3 Cun below the famous Zusanli ST-36), just beside the shin bone. Firm circular pressure for 1–2 minutes on each leg can help settle the intestines. If stools are loose and the belly feels cold, a warm pack held over the point is soothing and supportive.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.