Tiaokou (ST38) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Accurate Location and Acupressure Method

What is Tiaokou?

Tiaokou (足樕, ST38) is an acupoint that belongs to the Stomach meridian. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is a major acupoint related to the lateral muscles of the leg and has the remarkable ability to relieve both pain in the knee area and shoulder stiffness simultaneously. Traditionally, it serves as a distant treatment point, effectively improving symptoms in distant areas of the body.

How to Find the Exact Location

Step 1: Find the depression below the knee (Zusanli). This is an acupoint located on the lateral side below the knee.
Step 2: From Zusanli, move down along the calf about 5 cun (approximately 15cm).
Step 3: Tiaokou is located slightly lateral to the muscle area on the outside of the tibia.
Step 4: When you press with your finger and feel slight tenderness, you’ve found the correct location.

Acupressure Technique

Preparation: Sit or lie down comfortably and let your legs rest naturally.
Acupressure technique: Apply vertical pressure to the Tiaokou point using your thumb or middle finger. Press slowly for 5 seconds, then release for 5 seconds.
Repetition: Repeat this process 10-15 times over 1 minute.
Pressure: Apply pressure at a level that is tender but tolerable (soreness with pressure).
Frequency: For optimal results, perform acupressure twice daily (morning and evening).

Key Benefits

• Shoulder pain relief: Using the distant treatment principle, it relaxes tight shoulder muscles and promotes blood circulation.
• Leg pain improvement: Effectively relieves leg cramps, heaviness, and numbness.
• Knee pain reduction: Relieves muscle tension around the knee and reduces inflammation.
• Fatigue recovery: Boosts lower body energy and helps improve overall fatigue.
• Metabolism promotion: Normalizes the stomach’s digestive function and improves overall health.

When is the Best Time to Apply Acupressure?

Tiaokou acupressure is most effective right after waking in the morning or 1 hour before bedtime. When you’ve been standing or sitting for long periods throughout the day and your legs feel fatigued or shoulders feel stiff, acupressure can provide immediate relief. When neck and shoulders become tense from stress, pressing Tiaokou can help release tension throughout the entire body.

Precautions

Contraindications: Pregnant women should avoid pressing Tiaokou as it may trigger uterine contractions. Also, do not apply acupressure if you have a serious illness, are immediately post-surgery, or if your skin has wounds or inflammation.
Correct acupressure: Maintain appropriate pressure as excessive force can cause bruising and may lead to muscle damage.
Medical consultation: If you have chronic pain or symptoms don’t improve after acupressure, consult with a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or doctor.