The Science Behind It
Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) have known for centuries that stimulating or needling the point on the leg known as stomach 36 has alleviated stomach aches, abdominal distention, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, indigestion, numbness of the lower limbs, edema, mastitis, palpitations, and adrenal fatigue. In recent years, scientific studies around the world have proven the effectiveness of this point, according to reports in peer-reviewed journals.
In a study of patients suffering from persistent gastric or pyloric spasms, one group was treated with atropine sulfate and Valium while the others had stomach 36 stimulated. Of the 60 patients treated with stomach 36, 59 reported that their spasms were relieved within 1-5 minutes.
Chu Hang, Zhao Shuzhen, and Huang Yuying, “Application of acupuncture to gastroscopy using a fiber optic endoscope.” Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1987;7(4):279
Another study, at the Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, reported in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (1992;12(3):178-179) showed that a group of elderly patients with epigastric pain who had a needle applied to stomach 36 for 20 minutes reported pain relief within 10 to 20 minutes.
Cancer patients with abdominal pain at Harbin Medical University who were not getting relief from standard pain medications had stomach 36 stimulated daily for 2 weeks and, in 81 out of 92 cases, they experienced significant pain relief.
Xu Shuying, Liu Zhiqiang and Liyu, “Treatment of cancerous abdominal pain by acupuncture on Stomach 36.” Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1993;13(3):191
The immunological action of stomach 36 has also been the subject of much clinical research. A study exploring the efficacy of employing stomach 36 to treat the blood disorder leukopenia was reported in the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. After stimulating stomach 36 every day for 14 days, taking a one-week break and using the point again for 14 days, there were significant improvements in immunoglobin levels (IgG,IgA, and IgM).
Wei Zanmei, “Clinical observation on therapeutic effect of acupuncture on st 36 for leukopenia.” Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1998;18 94-95