title: [Lower He-sea sequence and indication specificity analysis regarding Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37) and Xiajuxu (ST 39)].
abstract: Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37) and Xiajuxu (ST 39) are considered as the lower He-sea points, which are located along the leg lines of stomach meridian of foot Yangming from top to bottom. According to the corresponding zang-fu of lower He-sea points, the distribution order from top to bottom is stomach, large intestine and small intestine. This is significantly different from digestive physiology function sequence of stomach, small intestine and large intestine in modern medicine. However, it conforms to their anatomical position from top to bottom. In order to make a further confirmation that the indication specificity of Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37) and Xiajuxu (ST 39) is closely associated with anatomical location, a great number of ancient and modern literature is reviewed. It is found that the functions of the three acupoints are obviously related to stomach, large intestine and small intestine, respectively, indicating that the sequence of Zusanli (ST 36), Shangjuxu (ST 37) and Xiajuxu (ST 39) is related to anatomical position of corresponding zang-fu. This study conclusion could play an important role for exploring the significance of anatomical location in indication specificity of acupoints.
authors.forename: Kai
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.forename: Zhuo
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Qin
authors.forename: Jing
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Lijing
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Zhai
mesh_terms: D015669:Acupuncture Points; D015670:Acupuncture Therapy / Q000266:history; D002681:China; D049690:History, Ancient; D006801:Humans; D007420:Intestine, Large / Q000503:physiopathology; D008513:Medicine in Literature; D016740:Meridians; D013270:Stomach / Q000503:physiopathology