Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology
|
2026, 54(1): 40-44
Re - exploring the Principle of Treating the Upper from the Lower: Insights from the Jiexi Point
Full
LUO Chuyi1,2, DU Yanjun1,2
Affiliations
1 Acupuncture and Orthopedics College of Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430061, China;
2 Hubei Shizhen Laboratory,Wuhan 430061, China
doi: 10.19664/j.cnki.1002-2392.260007
Outline
The Jiexi acupoint (ST 41) belongs to the Stomach Meridian of Foot - Yangming and has a special anatomical location. Its clinical application reflects the holistic concept of "treating upper diseases from lower." This principle originates from the Huangdi Neijing, which states, "For diseases in the upper body, treat the lower body." This article explores Jiexi's therapeutic approach of treating upper diseases from below from five perspectives: tracing the origins of Jiexi, analyzing its nature, and clarifying its application, clarifying the use of Jiexi Point, enlightenment on the use of Jiexi Point. The Jiexi acupoint is also noted in the phrase "treat muscular atrophy by selecting points on the Yangming meridian," demonstrating its efficacy in treating ankle atrophy. As a key point on the stomach meridian, it helps to alleviate local edema and clear heat in the Stomach meridian. The stomach meridian of Foot - Yangming extends to the hairline and forehead, so needling the Jiexi acupoint can treat upper body conditions, such as headaches and brain disorders, by regulating them from below. In the five elements, Jiexi belongs to fire and shares an affinity with the eyes, heart, and pericardium. The upper portion of the Foot - Yangming meridian connects to the heart, while the major collateral vessel of the stomach, known as Xuli, is located at the point of the heart's pulsation. This connection lays the foundation for treating eye diseases, heart - related conditions, and mental disorders. As an acupoint on the meridian, Jiexi is also indicated for treating coughs, fevers, and chills. Additionally, the theory of "treating edema by targeting the meridian" suggests that Jiexi can be used to address both external coughs and stomach - related coughs accompanied by edema. Jiexi point has a wide range of clinical applications in combination with other points, and it is rich in special needling techniques. Jiexi and Yang Jiao points, both belonging to the fire element, can be used together to treat palpitations. A classic case is appended to verify their effectiveness.
Treating upper illnesses from lower acupoints
/
Jiexi(ST 41)
/
Meridian point
/
Palpitations with fear and severe
/
Dizziness
/
Dyspnea, cough, chills and fever
LUO Chuyi, DU Yanjun.
Re - exploring the Principle of Treating the Upper from the Lower: Insights from the Jiexi Point[J].
Acta Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology,
2026
, 54
(1)
: 40
-44
.
DOI: 10.19664/j.cnki.1002-2392.260007
Year 2026 volume 54 Issue 1
PDF
17
6
Cite this Article
BibTeX
Article Info
doi: 10.19664/j.cnki.1002-2392.260007
- Receive Date:2024-09-11
- Online Date:2026-09-09