Jiexi Point (ST-41 / Stream Divide, also known as Xiedai and Caoxiedai)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Jiexi (ST-41 / Stream Divide). Learn its benefits for toothache, red eyes, headache, vertigo, and abdominal distension, plus classic combinations for gastrointestinal and ankle conditions.
Indications
Toothache, red and painful eyes, headache, vertigo, and abdominal distension.
Precise Location
Located on the Stomach Meridian, at the midpoint of the ankle crease on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression between the two tendons (extensor hallucis longus and extensor digitorum longus). It is where the shoelace crosses – in the depression between the two tendons.
Location Method
Sit upright with one knee flexed and the foot flat on the floor. Place the palm of the same-side hand on the knee, with the thumb above and the four finger pads descending along the tibia to the ankle – the point is at the shoelace level in the depression between the two tendons.
Massage Method
Press inward into the point with the middle finger pad firmly, once each morning and evening, for 1–3 minutes per session. Therapeutic actions: Clears stomach heat and transforms phlegm, calms the spirit and soothes the mind, relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals.
Compatibility
Gastroenteritis: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6), Waiguan (TE-5), Zusanli (ST-36), and Jiexi (ST-41). Disease overview: Gastroenteritis is hemorrhagic or necrotic inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa and deep tissues, characterized by severe gastrointestinal dysfunction, abdominal pain, and diarrhea – divided into chronic and acute types. Massage sequence: Knead Neiguan (on the inner forearm, three finger-widths above the wrist crease) and Waiguan (on the outer forearm, opposite Neiguan); knead Zusanli (three finger-widths below the patella, lateral to the tibia); finally press Jiexi for 3 minutes. Ankle pain: Combine with Kunlun (BL-60) and Taixi (KI-3). Abdominal distension: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25), Zhongwan (RN-12), Zusanli (ST-36), Jiexi (ST-41), and Zhangmen (LR-13). Toothache: Combine with Jiache (ST-6), Dicang (ST-4), Hegu (LI-4), and Jiexi (ST-41).
Efficacy & Actions
Have you ever experienced severe toothache without any cavities, accompanied by irritability, supraorbital ridge pain, bloodshot eyes, or a grayish-dark facial complexion with edema? In such cases, massaging Jiexi can relieve these symptoms and provide excellent health-regulating benefits. This point belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian and is the Jing-River point where the meridian qi flows (corresponding to the Fire element in the five-element theory). It clears stomach heat and transforms phlegm, calms the spirit and soothes the mind, relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals. It is a commonly used point for treating head, facial, gastrointestinal, and ankle disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Jie" means to separate or relieve; "Xi" means stream or depression. Located at the midpoint of the ankle crease on the dorsum of the foot in a depression between two tendons, where meridian qi flows like a stream – hence the name Jiexi (Stream Divide). It is also known as "Xiedai" and "Caoxiedai."
