ST 43 — Xiàn Gǔ (陷谷) — Sunken Valley
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1. Overview
ST 43 — Xiàn Gǔ (陷谷) — is an acupuncture point on the Stomach meridian. Its English name, Sunken Valley, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used in acupuncture practice as part of channel-balancing prescriptions 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. I use ST 43 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the dorsum of the foot, between the second and third metatarsal bones, in a depression 1 cun proximal to ST-44 Neiting.
3. Actions
- Eliminates Wind and Heat
- Removes obstruction from the channel
- Regulates the Spleen
- Dispels Edema
- Regulates and harmonizes the Stomach and Intestines
4. Indications
- Facial edema
- General edema
- Abdominal pain
- Borborygmus
- Swelling and pain of the dorsum of the foot
- Choking
- Ascites
- Flatulence
- Hernia
5. Needling
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
ST 43 Xiàn Gǔ (Sunken Valley) is classified as: Shu-Stream point; Wood point. These classifications inform how the point is used in clinical practice. The point is typically combined with other channel points to form a balanced prescription based on the patient’s individual TCM diagnosis.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use ST 43 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Coughing. 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.
