1.4.12

stomach meridian (ST)

one of the regular twelve meridians which originates internally at the lateral edge of the nose, then continues to ST1 at the inferior border of the orbit, descends to the upper gum, courses around the mouth, and travels up to ST8 at the hairline of the temple. From here it continues internally to terminate at GV24. The facial branch descends from ST5 where it turns internally and descends past the diaphragm to connect with the stomach and spleen. The supraclavicular fossa branch descends along the midclavicular line to ST30 in the inguinal region, then anteriorly along the lateral margin of the femur to the patella, terminating at ST45 on the lateral side of the tip of the second toe. The gastric branch descends internally past the umbilicus and terminates at ST30. The tibial branch leaves ST36 and descends along the fibula, terminating at the lateral side of the tip of the middle toe. The dorsal foot branch leaves ST42 and descends to the medial side of the great toe at SP1. There are 45 acupuncture points on either side of the body