A quiet but capable point on the top of the foot. Xiangu (ST-43) clears Heat and reduces swelling, settles the stomach, and eases pain along the Stomach Meridian — from the face all the way down to the foot.
Contraindications
Xiangu (ST-43) is a safe point on the dorsum of the foot. The dorsalis pedis artery runs nearby — take care with needle placement to avoid puncturing the vessel.
Name & story
The name 陷谷 Xiangu means "Sunken Valley" — and if you look at the foot, you can see why. The point sits in a little hollow between the long bones of the second and third toes, like a valley that has dipped down between two ridges. In Chinese medicine, valleys are places where Qi gathers and pools before moving on. This gentle depression on the foot is exactly that — a place where the Qi of the Stomach Meridian collects, ready to be directed where it is needed.
Point family & character
Xiangu (ST-43) belongs to the Stomach Meridian (ST). In character it is the Shu-Stream point and the Wood point of the channel. As the Shu-Stream point, it is classically indicated when the channel feels heavy and the joints ache — and it has a particular affinity for clearing Heat and reducing oedema (swelling with retained fluid).
Five-element dynamics
The Stomach Meridian (ST) belongs to the Earth element, and Xiangu is its Wood point — Wood within Earth. Wood, in the Five-Element model, has the quality of movement, spreading and dispersing. On an Earth channel, this Wood energy helps to move what is stuck: it disperses fullness and distension in the abdomen, breaks up accumulated Heat in the Stomach fu, and drives out retained Dampness that has settled into oedema. It is a point of gentle but steady movement within the nourishing world of Earth.
Location
Find the gap between the second and third toes on the top of the foot. Slide your finger backward (toward the ankle) along this gap, between the long foot bones (the second and third metatarsals), until you feel a distinct hollow just behind the knuckle of the second toe. That depression is Xiangu ST-43.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies on the dorsum (top) of the foot, between the second and third metatarsal bones, in the depression proximal to the second metatarsophalangeal joint. It is situated between the tendons of the extensor digitorum longus.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly or obliquely, 0.3 to 0.5 Cun. The dorsalis pedis artery runs in this region of the foot — take care to avoid it.
Safe depth
Safe depth — 0.3 to 0.5 Cun.
Moxa, cupping & Tui Na
The point can be warmed with Moxa, particularly when Cold is causing fullness or oedema. Acupressure on the hollow between the metatarsals is easy to self-apply and can relieve facial swelling and abdominal bloating.
Functions
Clears Heat from the Stomach channel and harmonises the Stomach fu. Reduces swelling and moves fluid (oedema). Calms the Shen. Activates the channel and alleviates pain.
Indications
Swelling and pain of the face; puffiness of the body and limbs with oedema and abdominal distension. Abdominal fullness and distension with no desire to eat; epigastric pain; vomiting. Fever and malarial-type disorders with alternating chills and fever. Pain and swelling of the dorsum of the foot; atrophy disorder affecting the foot.
Mind & spirit (Shen)
Xiangu (ST-43) carries the classical action of calming the Shen. When the Stomach is disturbed by Heat or fullness, the mind can become agitated — and by clearing that Heat from the Stomach channel and restoring harmony to the fu organ, this point helps settle mental restlessness. It is not a primary Shen point, but its calming influence on the channel that runs through the face and chest makes it a gentle support when anxiety accompanies digestive disturbance.
Point combinations
With ST-41 (Jiexi) — for Heat in the Stomach channel affecting the face and foot. With ST-36 (Zusanli) — to harmonise the Stomach and settle digestive complaints. With SP-9 (Yinlingquan) — to resolve Dampness and reduce oedema of the limbs and abdomen.
Clinical spotlight
As the Shu-Stream point of the Stomach Meridian (ST), Xiangu carries the classic Shu-Stream indication from the Nan Jing (Classic of Difficulties): "Shu-Stream points treat heaviness of the body and painful joints." This makes it particularly suited to conditions where Dampness or fluid retention is causing swelling and a heavy, blocked sensation. Its Wood nature within Earth gives it the extra ability to move and disperse — a small, quiet point on the foot with a surprisingly broad reach along the entire Stomach channel, from the toes up to the face.
The golden tip
To find Xiangu ST-43 at home, feel along the top of the foot in the groove between the second and third toes, moving back from the knuckle toward the ankle until you find a small, tender hollow. Press or rub this point gently for one to two minutes. It can be helpful for facial puffiness, a bloated, full stomach, or a general sense of heaviness in the body.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.