Xiangu ST43 : Nomenclature, Location, Function, Indication

Nomenclature:

Xian: depression Gu: valley
Gu refers to a depression on the body surface. Xiangu is in the depression between the second and third metatarsals.

Point: ST-43
Chinese Name: 陷谷
Name: Xiangu
English Name/Meaning: Sunken Valley
Pinyin: xiàn gǔ
Han Geul 한글: ham gok 함곡
Romaji: kan koku(?)
Vietnamese: Hãm cốc

Location:

On the dorsum of the foot, between the second and third metatarsal bones, in a depression 1 cun proximal to ST44.

Method:

Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.

Functions and indications of Xiangu:

• Being a shu stream point, this point is used for disorders of the zang or Fu organ: ST43 for disorders of the Stomach and intestines; heaviness of the body and pain of the joints: used in current practice for general aching due to wind, and for damp-heat painful obstruction.
• This points clear heat; so is used for fever with absence of sweating, cold shivering with malarial disorders.
• Locally is used mostly local swelling & pain of dorsum of foot

Remark:

Shu stream point.