The Efficacy and Effects of Cupping at Zusanli (ST36)

Apr 06, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. He Haochen

Introduction

Zusanli refers to the Zusanli acupoint. Cupping at the Zusanli point has effects such as unblocking meridians, invigorating qi, regulating the spleen and stomach, and strengthening the body. The Zusanli point is located three cun below on the lateral side of the lower leg and belongs to the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming. Applying cupping at this acupoint utilizes negative pressure to draw out dampness, cold, and metabolic waste from the local area and blood, thereby achieving the effect of promoting circulation in the meridians.

Zusanli refers to the Zusanli acupoint. Cupping at the Zusanli point has effects such as promoting circulation of qi and blood, tonifying the spleen and replenishing qi, as well as regulating the functions of the spleen and stomach and strengthening the body.

I. Effects

1. Promoting Circulation of Qi and Blood

The Zusanli acupoint is located three cun below on the lateral side of the lower leg and belongs to the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. Applying cupping at this point utilizes negative pressure to draw out dampness, cold, and metabolic waste from the blood, thereby promoting the smooth flow of meridians and collaterals.

2. Tonifying the Middle and Replenishing Qi

When the body suffers from qi deficiency or insufficient kidney qi, cupping at the Zusanli point can improve blood circulation in the lower limbs and effectively alleviate these symptoms, thus achieving the effect of tonifying the middle energizer and boosting vital energy.

II. Functions

1. Regulating the Spleen and Stomach

As the Zusanli point is a lower-heavenly junction point of the stomach and a key location where stomach-meridian qi and blood flow, cupping here helps eliminate stagnant qi and blood impurities from the body, thereby regulating digestive functions of the spleen and stomach.

2. Strengthening the Body

This acupoint is also considered one of the major health-preserving points. Using cupping therapy on it can enhance immune function to a certain extent, thus contributing to overall physical fitness and health.

In addition, it may also help nourish the kidneys and strengthen yang. It is recommended that cupping be performed under the guidance of a qualified practitioner to avoid incorrect placement, which might negatively affect health.

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How long should cupping at Zusanli (ST36) be performed?

Generally, it is best to perform cupping on this acupoint for about 5 to 8 minutes. Prolonged cupping may cause blisters and could be detrimental to health, especially for elderly individuals and children. If cupping is being used for therapeutic purposes, the duration can be appropriately extended, usually to about 10 to 15 minutes. It should be noted that cupping must be performed under the guidance of a qualified professional.

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Why young people should preferably avoid moxibustion at the Zusanli point

The reason young people should not use moxibustion on the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint is mainly because they are in a growth phase, possessing a purely yang constitution with abundant vital energy. Regular moxibustion at Zusanli may cause leakage of qi, potentially leading to delayed growth, disharmony of qi and blood, and increased susceptibility to illness; therefore, moxibustion at this point is not recommended for the young. Moxibustion at Zusanli, however, functions to invigorate spleen yang, warm the middle burner and dispel cold, tonify the center and boost qi, regulate qi circulation, guide qi downward, strengthen the body's defenses to eliminate pathogens, and relieve wind-dampness.

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Can Zusanli (ST36) be moxibusted every day?

Frequent moxibustion at the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint can help regulate qi and blood, promote digestion, and improve spleen and stomach function. If there are no contraindications to moxibustion—such as internal heat or damp-heat syndromes—it is generally safe to perform moxibustion daily. However, moxibustion is usually contraindicated in cases of high fever, external contraction of warm diseases, yin deficiency with internal heat, extreme fatigue, or during menstruation. Under these conditions, daily moxibustion at Zusanli should generally be avoided.

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Why is there excessive fluid discharge after moxibustion at Zusanli (ST36), and what should be done about it?

Excessive moisture at the Zusanli (ST36) acupoint after moxibustion may result from overactive sweat glands, prolonged moxibustion duration, or severe cold-dampness. This can be improved through general treatments, medication, and other methods. Additionally, high local temperature or spleen-stomach deficiency might also contribute. Patients should maintain warmth after moxibustion to prevent chilling and associated physical discomfort.