Shangjuxu Point (ST-37 / Upper Great Hollow, also known as Juxushanglian, Shanglian, Juxu)
Unblocks the fu-organ and resolves stagnation, regulates the intestines and harmonizes the stomach, dredges the meridians and unblocks the collaterals. Based on its properties, it is clinically used for lower limb disorders and intestinal diseases.
Indications
Diarrhea, constipation, abdominal distension, borborygmus, and intestinal abscess. (1) Gastrointestinal disorders: Constipation, abdominal distension, borborygmus, diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal spasm, appendicitis, gastroenteritis. (2) Lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome: Difficulty lifting the lower limbs, soreness of the knees and shins, beriberi.
Precise Location
On the lateral side of the lower leg, 6 cun below Dubi (ST-35), on the line connecting Dubi and Jiexi (ST-41).
Location Method
Sit with the knee flexed – locate 4 finger-widths downward from Zusanli (ST-36) in the depression.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Shangjuxu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat abdominal pain and diarrhea. Therapeutic actions: Unblocks the fu-organ and resolves stagnation, regulates the intestines and harmonizes the stomach, dredges the meridians and unblocks the collaterals.
Compatibility
Acute gastroenteritis: Combine with Guanyuan (RN-4). Various intestinal disorders: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25). Bacillary dysentery: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Quchi (LI-11). Appendicitis: Combine with Lanwei (EX-LE7), Zusanli (ST-36), Quchi (LI-11), and Tianshu (ST-25). Deficiency-type constipation: Combine with Dachangshu (BL-25), Zhigou (TE-6), and Tianshu (ST-25). Lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36) and Yanglingquan (GB-34). Facial paralysis: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36), Hegu (LI-4), Jiache (ST-6), and Dicang (ST-4).
Efficacy & Actions
Shangjuxu belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian and is the Lower He-Sea point of the Large Intestine. It regulates the intestines, regulates qi and harmonizes the stomach, and treats disorders of the Large Intestine, Stomach, and conditions along the Stomach Meridian pathway in the lower limb. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. Shangjuxu was originally called "Juxushanglian" and first appeared under this name in the Qianjin Yifang. "Ju" means great or large; "Xu" means hollow or gap. The point is located at the upper end of the large hollow on the anterolateral side of the lower leg – hence the name Shangjuxu (Upper Great Hollow). It is also known as "Juxushanglian," "Shanglian," and "Juxu." (1) Effective Point for Intestinal Disorders: The Stomach and Large Intestine are closely related physiologically – food digested by the Stomach has its waste transmitted through the Large Intestine. As the Lower He-Sea point of the Large Intestine located on the Stomach Meridian, according to the principle "He treats internal organs," Shangjuxu is commonly used for various intestinal disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, appendicitis, gastroenteritis, intestinal spasm, and dysentery. The Lingshu · Benshu states: "The Large Intestine corresponds to Shanglian – when pathogens invade the Large Intestine, needling Juxushanglian is indicated." Clinically, Shangjuxu and Tianshu (ST-25) are commonly used together as the primary points for intestinal disorders with good results. (2) Treats Lower Limb Flaccidity/Bi-Syndrome: Located in the lower limb, according to "where the point is located, there it treats" and "treat flaccidity by treating Yangming alone," it treats lower limb immobility, flaccidity/bi-syndrome, and edema. Needling unblocks the meridians and harmonizes qi and blood, promoting circulation of stagnated qi and blood in the lower limbs – often combined with Yanglingquan (GB-34) and Xuanzhong (GB-39). (3) Treats Stomach Disorders: As this point belongs to the Stomach Meridian, it also treats various gastric disorders, particularly effective when stomach and intestinal problems coexist.
Contraindications
When locating this point, ensure it remains on the line connecting Dubi and Jiexi without deviation. When needling for facial and neck disorders, the needle may be inserted to a depth of 2–3 cun.
