Atlas of Acupuncture

4.3 The Stomach Channel System – Foot yangming(zu yang ming jing luo)

4.3.2 The Stomach Divergent Channel

(zu yang ming jing bie)

Pathway

The Stomach divergent Channel separates from the Stomach pri-

mary channel at ➞ST-31(biguan) on the antero-lateral aspect

of the thigh

➡penetrates the body at the inguinal region at ST-30(qichong)

➡continues to the Stomach (wei) and disperses in the Spleen (pi)

➡ascends and penetrates the Heart (xin)

➡ascends along the oesophagus to the suprasternal fossa and

travels laterally to the supraclavicular fossa at ST-12(quepen).

From there it rises along the anterior border of the sternocleido-

mastoid muscle and meets its primary channel as well as the

divergent Spleen channel at ST-9(renying) at one of the six he-

confluences (here: ST/SP as third confluence ➞1.3).

It then emergesat the mouth, ascends along the nose, reaches

the inner canthus of the eye and connects with the eye, circles

the eye region and meets the Stomach primary channel at ST-1

(chengqi) where it terminates (➞fig.).

According to some authors, the Stomach divergent channel con-

nects with the Stomach primary channel at BL-1(➞variant, fig.).

After intersecting with BL-1, the divergent channel could enter the

head, disperse in the brain and re-emerge at ST-1.

Clinical importance

● Strengthens the relationship between the Stomach and the

Spleen (zangfu-Organs). Points on the Stomach primary

channel can therefore be used for disorders of the Spleen, and

vice versa points on the Spleen primary channel can treat dis-

orders of the Stomach.

● Spreads Qi to the face and sensory organs: many points on the

ST channel treat disorders of the head and face.

● Strengthens the relationship between the Stomach and the

eyes: Heat and excess in this region can be directed down-

ward by using points on the ST channel.

ST-31

ST-30

ST-12

ST-1

ST-9 (3rd confluence)

Variant

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