Futu Point (ST-32 / Crouching Rabbit)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Futu (ST-32 / Crouching Rabbit). Learn its benefits for lumbar pain, cold knees, and lower limb neuralgia, plus classic combinations for hernia, leg pain, and hives.
Indications
Lumbar pain, cold knees, lower limb neuralgia, and paralysis or numbness of the lower limbs.
Precise Location
Located on the Stomach Meridian, on the anterior thigh, on the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine and the lateral border of the patella, 6 cun above the patellar base. It is at the prominence of the anterolateral thigh muscle, 6 cun above the upper border of the kneecap.
Location Method
Sit upright. Place the index, middle, and ring fingers on the anterolateral thigh, measuring approximately one-third of the thigh length upward from the knee – the point is where the middle finger rests.
Massage Method
Knead vertically with the pads of the index, middle, and ring fingers of both hands, or lightly clench the fist and knead with the knuckles of the back of the hand. Apply once each morning and evening, for 1–3 minutes per session. Therapeutic actions: Relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, strengthens the lumbar region and knees.
Compatibility
Hernia: Combine with Dadun (LR-1), Guilai (ST-29), and Futu (ST-32). Disease overview: In TCM, hernia occurs when weak constitution or insufficient middle qi allows cold, damp, turbid, or angry pathogens to invade, causing qi and blood stagnation. Increased abdominal pressure forces free organs (intestines, omentum, bladder, ovaries, fallopian tubes) through openings – the root cause is qi and blood stagnation. Massage sequence: First press Dadun (about 2 mm from the nail edge on the side of the big toe facing the second toe) 20 times, then massage Guilai for 3 minutes, finally massage Futu for 3 minutes. Leg and knee pain: Combine with Biguan (ST-31), Dubi (ST-35), and Futu (ST-32). Urticaria (hives): Combine with Zhangmen (LR-13), Zusanli (ST-36), and Futu (ST-32).
Efficacy & Actions
In modern urban life, due to lack of exercise and other factors, people over middle age often suffer from various knee and foot problems – such as weakness and soreness in the feet, and cold knees. In such cases, daily massage of Futu can promote qi and blood circulation to the lower limbs, knees, and feet, alleviating these conditions. This point belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. It relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, and strengthens the lumbar region and knees. It is a commonly used point for treating lower limb and lumbar-knee disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Jingmai. "Fu" means to crouch or lie prostrate; "Tu" means rabbit. Located on the anterior thigh at the bulge of the quadriceps femoris muscle, resembling a crouching rabbit – hence the name Futu (Crouching Rabbit).
