ST 37 — Shàng Jù Xū (上巨虚) — Upper Great Hollow

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

ST 37 — Shàng Jù Xū (上巨虚) — is an acupuncture point on the Stomach meridian. Its English name, Upper Great Hollow, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.

I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

6 cun below ST 35 (Dubi), one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia.

3. Actions

1. Lower He-Sea point of the Large Intestine — the most powerful point for Large Intestinal disorders
2. Regulates the Large Intestine and resolves Damp-Heat
3. Activates the meridian and relieves lower limb pain

4. Indications

1. Diarrhoea and dysentery — primary intestinal point via Large Intestine Lower He-Sea
2. Abdominal pain and distension
3. Inflammatory bowel conditions
4. Lower limb weakness and paralysis

5. Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1.0–1.5 cun.

Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.

6. Clinical notes

ST 37 is the Lower He-Sea point of the Large Intestine. The three Lower He-Sea points on the leg — ST 37 (Large Intestine), ST 39 (Small Intestine) and BL 39 (Triple Burner) — treat their corresponding hollow organs and are particularly effective for intestinal conditions. ST 37 combined with ST 25 and ST 36 forms the primary prescription for Large Intestinal disorders.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use ST 37 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, Ulcerative colitis. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.