The Yuan Source point of the Stomach channel — and the one that pulses with the heartbeat of the Earth. Chongyang (ST-42) calms the Shen, clears Stomach Heat, and reconnects the body's central channel to the wider flow of Qi along the foot.
Name & story
The name 冲阳 Chongyang is usually translated as "Surging Yang" or "Rushing Yang". It is a poetic name, and a fitting one: this point sits directly over the dorsalis pedis artery, whose pulse you can feel under your fingertip — a living surge of Yang Qi rising through the foot. The character 冲 (chong) suggests a powerful upward rush, like water bursting upward from a spring. And 阳 (yang) is the Stomach channel itself — a bright, active, Yang channel of the Earth. The name captures that feeling perfectly: life force, visibly surging.
Point family & character
Chongyang (ST-42) belongs to the Stomach Meridian (ST). Its most important character is that it is the Yuan Source point of the channel — the point where the original Yuan Qi of the Stomach surfaces and can be directly accessed. A branch from this very point links the Stomach Meridian to the Spleen channel, making it a true crossroads of the Earth element.
Five-element dynamics
The Stomach is the great Yang organ of the Earth element — it receives, receives, receives, turning food and drink into nourishment for the whole body. As the Yuan Source point, Chongyang (ST-42) connects most directly to the essential Qi of that organ. When the Stomach is overheated, over-burdened, or simply out of harmony, the Yuan Source is the place to go to restore its natural balance. Through the branch that links ST-42 to the Spleen channel, working here touches both sides of the Earth — the receiving Stomach and the transforming Spleen — at once.
Location
Find the highest point of the dorsum (top) of the foot, where you can feel the pulse of the dorsalis pedis artery. This is Chongyang (ST-42) — between the tendons, at the junction of the second and third metatarsal bones with the cuneiform bones. It lies distal to Jiexi (ST-41).
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies on the dorsum of the foot, over the pulsation of the dorsalis pedis artery. The needle may be placed on either side of the medial slip of the extensor digitorum longus tendon, which runs toward the second toe.
Needling
Insert the needle obliquely or perpendicularly. Take care to place the needle to one side of the pulsating artery, not through it — the dorsalis pedis artery runs directly beneath this point.
Safe depth
0.3 to 0.5 Cun.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
Gentle acupressure around the point is appropriate for home use, though care should be taken not to press heavily directly over the artery. Moxa can be applied with the same caution.
Functions
Clears Heat from the Stomach channel; Harmonises the Stomach fu; Calms the Shen; Activates the channel and alleviates pain.
Indications
Deviation of the mouth and eye; swelling and pain of the face; toothache and tooth decay; heat and pain inside the mouth. Abdominal distension with no desire to eat; epigastric pain; vomiting. Fever without sweating; alternating chills and fever (malarial-type patterns). Swelling and pain of the dorsum of the foot; atrophy and weakness of the foot. Mania-depression; the classical picture of a person who climbs to high places and sings, discards clothing, or runs about — an extreme expression of Stomach Fire disturbing the Shen.
Mind & spirit (Shen)
Of all the Stomach channel points, Chongyang (ST-42) has one of the most striking connections to the mind. The classical texts describe an almost theatrical disturbance — the person who "desires to ascend to high places and sing, discards clothing and runs around." In Chinese medicine, this is the picture of raging Stomach Fire blazing upward into the Heart and mind, overturning the Shen's quiet dwelling. As the Yuan Source point, Chongyang reaches the deepest level of the Stomach's Qi and draws the Heat back down, allowing the Shen to settle. It is a reminder of how intimately the Earth element — digestion, nourishment, rootedness — underpins our mental stability.
Point combinations
With Jiexi (ST-41) — its nearest neighbour on the channel — for clearing Stomach channel Heat affecting the face and head. For channel pain and swelling of the dorsum of the foot, it is used alongside local points. In classical formulas for mania and mental agitation from Stomach Fire, it was combined with points that calm the Heart and Shen.
Clinical spotlight
Chongyang (ST-42) carries a fascinating anatomical distinction: it is one of the very few acupuncture points located directly over a palpable artery. The Suwen (Essential Questions) itself notes this, and classical physicians used the pulse at ST-42 as a diagnostic indicator of the vitality of Stomach Qi — a tradition that echoes the broader Chinese understanding that the Stomach is the root of Post-Heaven life. As a Yuan Source point, it also reflects pathology: when the Stomach is disturbed, this point may become spontaneously tender. Its indication for mania-type disorders is one of the more vivid entries in the classical literature, showing just how far Stomach Fire can reach when it blazes unchecked.
The golden tip
You can locate ST-42 by gently feeling along the top of your foot for a pulse — the slight throb of the dorsalis pedis artery. The point is right there. Gentle pressure on either side of the pulse (not directly over it) can help ease tension in the foot or mild digestive discomfort. For facial tension or toothache along the Stomach channel, rubbing the area softly may provide some relief. Always work gently here given the artery nearby.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.