Stomach 36, or St 36 (Zusanli), is one of those rare acupressure points that feels like a built-in emergency kit for your body. Nestled on the lower leg, it’s often called the “Three Mile Point” because, according to tradition, stimulating it gave weary travelers the strength to walk three more miles. And honestly? I get it. It’s my go-to when I’m dragging my feet—literally or emotionally.
This point is a cornerstone in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for boosting vitality, regulating digestion, and calming the nervous system. It’s also celebrated for strengthening the immune system and restoring overall balance—like a quiet internal reboot.
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Pressure Point Name | St 36 (Zusanli / Three Mile Point) |
| Location | Lower leg, 4 finger-widths below the kneecap, 1 finger-width lateral to the shinbone |
| Common Uses | Digestion, fatigue, nausea, immune support, knee pain |
| Stimulation Method | Firm pressure or circular massage, 1–2 minutes, 2–3 times daily |
| Contraindications | Avoid during pregnancy without professional guidance |
Clinical Significance & Associated Conditions
St 36 sits on the Stomach Meridian and plays a major role in supporting digestive health. I often use it for things like:
- Nausea or bloating after travel or heavy meals
- Constipation or irregularity, especially when my routine’s out of whack
- Low energy or burnout, when my “battery” feels drained
- Weakened immunity, particularly in the colder months
- Knee pain or leg stiffness, especially after long hikes or extended standing
It’s also a star point when addressing systemic fatigue, stress-related tension, or even stubborn menstrual symptoms. In fact, I often pair it with SP6 for cramps or LI4 for tension.
Location
To find St 36, do this:
- Sit with your leg bent at a 90-degree angle.
- Place four finger-widths (using your own fingers) directly below your kneecap.
- Slide one finger-width out from the shinbone (toward the outer leg).
- You’ll land in a small dip in the muscle—it might feel tender or slightly hollow.
It’s located in the tibialis anterior muscle, and when you apply pressure, it often gives a warm, grounding sensation. On charts, you’ll find it along the Stomach Meridian, running down the front of the leg.
Think of it as the “battery port” for your body’s vitality.
How to Stimulate It
Here’s how I like to activate this point:
- Use your thumb or index knuckle to apply steady, firm pressure.
- Massage in small circles or simply hold the pressure for 1–2 minutes.
- Breathe deeply while pressing—slow inhales and exhales help the energy settle.
- Repeat 2–3 times a day, especially when digestion is off or energy dips.
Sometimes I’ll use a rounded tool or acupressure stick when my hands are tired. It works beautifully when lying down or sitting with the leg extended and relaxed.
Benefits and Common Uses
St 36 is like nature’s all-purpose remedy. These are just a few of its gifts:
- 🌿 Digestive Relief: Think nausea, gas, bloating, indigestion, or sluggish bowels.
- ⚡ Energy & Vitality: Gently lifts fatigue and restores motivation.
- 🧘 Stress Support: Calms a racing mind and eases emotional overload.
- 💪 Immune Boost: Helps the body resist illness by strengthening overall function.
- 🦵 Knee & Leg Pain: Eases discomfort from strain, inflammation, or overuse.
When you’re feeling depleted or scattered, it acts like an anchor—reminding your body to return to center.
Physiological Functions & Mechanisms
From a TCM perspective, St 36 harmonizes the Stomach and Spleen meridians, both of which are responsible for nourishing the body. When these systems are weak, energy and digestion suffer.
Western research links this point to:
- Improved gastrointestinal motility
- Reduced inflammation and pain perception
- Enhanced blood flow in the lower limbs
- Regulation of the autonomic nervous system
There’s also evidence suggesting it may stimulate the vagus nerve, which supports relaxation and digestion. (See this NIH-backed article for more.)
Personal Experience
This point has carried me through so many situations.
One winter, after battling recurring digestive trouble, I started pressing St 36 every morning before breakfast. Within days, I noticed smoother digestion and a sense of centered calm I hadn’t felt in weeks.
When I’m traveling or running on little sleep, I’ll pause in a quiet corner, press this point, and just breathe. It’s like someone turned the dial down on chaos and turned the lights back on inside me. Steady, rooted, and calm.
Safety & Contraindications
St 36 is generally safe and gentle—but always check in with your body.
Avoid stimulating it if you are:
- Pregnant, especially without professional guidance
- Experiencing acute leg trauma, surgery, or severe varicose veins
- Feeling sharp pain or nerve sensitivity when pressing
As always, listen to your body. If something feels off, stop and consult a professional. For more safety tips, explore our acupressure safety guide.
Related Points & Techniques
You can amplify the effects of St 36 by pairing it with:
- SP6 (Sanyinjiao) — for deeper digestive and menstrual relief
- LI4 (Hegu) — to ease stress and promote immune regulation
- Moxibustion — gently heating St 36 in cold seasons can boost immunity and yang energy
- Deep breathing or guided visualization during stimulation for nervous system calm
I often use St 36 alongside abdominal points or reflexology zones when treating IBS or menstrual issues.
Scientific Perspective
Modern studies support what ancient wisdom has known for centuries. Stimulating St 36 has been linked to:
- Improved blood flow and oxygenation
- Autonomic regulation—especially vagal tone
- Immune modulation, including increased white blood cell activity
- Reduced inflammation and gastrointestinal discomfort
While more research is unfolding, the early data echoes the lived experience: this point works, and it works deeply.