ST 43 Acupuncture Point(Xiangu) belongs to the Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming,which is commonly used for Abdominal pain, fullness of abdominal, bowel, diarrhea, swelling of face, swelling and pain of eye, hernia, swelling and pain in the back of foot, etc.,puncture 0.3 to 0.5 cun straight or oblique.
ST 43 Acupuncture Point Location
In a depression distal to the junction of the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones.

What is the meaning of Xiangu
Xiangu:”Xian”,sunken,”Gu”,valley. The name of “Xiangu” means the meridian water of Stomach Meridian gather here. The substance of this acupoint is the meridian water from ST 42(Chongyang). Because this point is located in the depression,so the ground meridian water gather here,hence the name.

ST 43 Acupuncture Point Usage
Abdominal pain, fullness of abdominal, bowel, diarrhea, swelling of face, swelling and pain of eye, hernia, swelling and pain in the back of foot, etc.
Clinical:Colds, pleurisy, gastritis, enteritis, nephritis. Paralysis of lower limbs, sprained foot.

Characteristics of Qi of ST 43
The substances of Qi of ST 42 is the ground meridian water and the wind-qi of the heavne.
ST 43 Operating Law
The ground meridian water descend to ST 44 through the stomach meridian, and the wind-qi ascend through the stomach meridian.

ST 43 Acupuncture Point Therapy
Use the pad of your thumb to press ST 43 forcefully for 1 to 3 minutes each time, which can regulate the spleen and stomach to prevent from gastroptosis and chronic gastritis and avoid edema if long-term massage it.
Massage techniques
1. For pregnant with swollen of lower limbs, they can take a supine position or a slightly elevated position, and then massage starting from the back of foot,along the calf to the thigh.
2. Gentle intensity,It should alternately use what pressing, pushing, holding, and pinching.
3. In the process of pressing and kneading, it is necessary to focus on ST 43 point,It is beneficial for relieving face swelling, edema, swelling and pain of foot and back.
4. Generally, pushing and rubbing the lower limbs for about 10 minutes, and then pressing ST 43 for 8 to10 minutes, which can relieve edema of the lower limbs.

ST 43 Acupuncture Point Compatibility
Combined with Shangxing, Xinhui, Qianding and Gongsun points to treat swelling of face.
Combined with Lieque to treat swollen face;
Combined with Neiting and Taichong to treat foot tarsal.