Korean Journal of Acupuncture

Society for Meridian and Acupoint (경락경혈학회)
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Suggestion on Locating Method for ST36 Acupoint Based on Neuroanatomical Features

족삼리 취혈방식 제안: 신경해부학적 특성을 기반으로

  • Heeyoung Moon (Department of Meridian and Acupoints, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Da-Eun Yoon (Department of Meridian and Acupoints, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Yeonhee Ryu (KM Science Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine) ;
  • In-Seon Lee (Department of Meridian and Acupoints, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Dody Chang (Dao Collective) ;
  • Poney Chiang (Department of Health Science, School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences, York University) ;
  • Younbyoung Chae (Department of Meridian and Acupoints, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University)
  • 문희영 (경희대학교 한의과대학 경혈학교실) ;
  • 윤다은 (경희대학교 한의과대학 경혈학교실) ;
  • 류연희 (한국한의학연구원 한의과학부) ;
  • 이인선 (경희대학교 한의과대학 경혈학교실) ;
  • 도디창 (다오 콜렉티브) ;
  • 포니치앙 (요크대학교 신체역학과 보건과학부 보건과학교실) ;
  • 채윤병 (경희대학교 한의과대학 경혈학교실)
  • Received : 2023.08.04
  • Accepted : 2023.09.04
  • Published : 2023.09.27
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Abstract

Objectives : There are many variations in the ST36 acupoint location. The purpose of this article is to suggest a method of locating the ST36 acupoint. Methods : Based on the available research and the neuroanatomical characteristics of the underlying acupoint, we summarized the proper procedure for finding the ST36 acupoint. Results : ST36 is 3 B-cun inferior to ST35 and is vertically situated on the line that connects ST35 and ST41. The ST36 acupoint corresponds to the deep peroneal nerve, which is situated in the tibialis anterior muscle's back. The neurovascular bundles that are located on the interosseous membrane between the interosseous crests of the tibia and fibula include the deep peroneal nerve, anterior tibial artery, and anterior tibial vein. According to both classical and modern literature, this acupoint can be found horizontally between the two muscles, tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus. Conclusions : Based on a review of the literature and neuroanatomical features, we suggest that ST36 can be positioned horizontally between tibialis anterior and extensor digitorum longus. Additional imaging studies and clinical proof are required to determine ST36 acupoint.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KSN1812181), Bio&Medical Technology Development Program of the National Research Foundation (NRF) funded by the Korean government (MSIT) (No. RS-2023-00262398), and Institute of Information and Communications Technology Planning and Evaluation (IITP) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) [No. RS-2022-00155911, Artificial Intelligence Convergence Innovation Human Resources Development (Kyung Hee University)].

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