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ST-41 Ravine Divide

解溪 〔解谿〕 jiě xī

Alternate names: 鞋带 xié dài, Shoe Lace

Channel: ST, foot yáng brightness (yáng míng) stomach channel

Modern location: An acupoint located on the anterior aspect of the ankle joint, level with the tip of the lateral malleolus, in the space between the tendons of the extensor digitorum longus and the extensor hallucis longus muscles.

Classical location: One and a half cùn back from Surging Yáng (ST-42), in the depression at the center of the ankle. Follow the depression between the large toe and the second toe straight up to locate the point. From The Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (针灸大成 zhēn jiǔ dà chéng).

Local anatomy: The anterior tibial artery vein. The superficial and deep peroneal nerves.

Action: Clears the stomach and downbears counterflow; settles fright and quiets the spirit.

Modern indications: Headache; dizziness; mania and withdrawal; abdominal distension; constipation; wilting-impediment (wěi bì) of the lower limbs.

Classical indications: Eye diseases; pain in the foot or knees; cholera cramps; belching; stomach heat; delirious speech; malarial disease; heaviness of the thigh and knee; sinew impediment (jīn bì); red eyes and face; pain in the ankle; fright palpitation; fearful throbbing; swelling of the abdomen; vacuity swelling of the shin.

Needle stimulus: Needling: 0.5‒0.8 cùn perpendicular insertion. Moxa: 3‒5 cones; pole 5‒15 min.

Point groups: River (jīng) (fire) point.

Point name meaning:

ST-41 is located in a small cleft in the center of the ankle. The point name reminds us that the point is located in a gorge or ravine that divides the lateral and medial aspects of the ankle and separates the shinbone from the foot.

Evils collect in clefts such as the one in which this point is located. Needling this point can release (untie) the area, just as the shoelaces are untied at this point. An alternate name for this point is Shoelace, since both qì and shoelaces can be bound here. See acupoint names: origins, meanings, and translations.

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