Location
8 thumb widths superior to the tip of the external malleolus, lateral to the st38 about 2 finger breadth (middle finger) lateral to the anterior border of the tibia.
Cautions
No specific contraindications.
Indications
Conditions for which ST40 is listed as indicated. An indication list is a reference index, not a prescription – see the protocols below for sourced treatments.
AsthmaMuscle WastingAtrophy Leg InferiorAtrophy Leg InferiorBenefit ChestBenefit ChestCalm Spirit ShenCalm Spirit ShenConstipationCoughDampDepression Dian KuangDepression Dian KuangDesire SingingDesire SingingPsychological DisorderPsychological DisorderPsychological Happiness Excessive DisorderPsychological Happiness Excessive DisorderPsychological Laughter Excessive DisorderPsychological Laughter Excessive DisorderPsychological Nudity Inappropriate DisorderPsychological Nudity Inappropriate DisorderPsychological Running Around DisorderPsychological Running Around DisorderDizzinessBreathing Shortness Of Breath ProblemsBreathing Shortness Of Breath ProblemsUrinary ProblemsUrinary ProblemsShortness of BreathEpilepsy FullnessGhost Syndrome Seeing GhostsGhost Syndrome Seeing GhostsHeavinessHigh Blood PressureHigh Blood PressureStiff KneeLeg StiffnessImmobility KneeImmobility LegIndolenceOppression ChestOppression ChestPainAbdomen Cutting PainAbdomen Cutting PainChest PainChest PainChest Stabbing PainChest Stabbing PainHeadacheHeadacheHeadache Phlegm PainHeadache Phlegm PainHeadache Wind PainHeadache Wind PainKnee PainKnee PainLeg PainLeg PainSore ThroatSore ThroatPharyngitisPhlegmPhlegm ExcessivePhlegm ExcessivePhlegm HeartPhlegm HeartPhlegm LungPhlegm LungRestlessnessGlobus Hystericus Plumstone Qi SensationGlobus Hystericus / Plumstone Qi SensationSlacknessChannel StagnationChannel Stagnation SwellingFacial SwellingFacial SwellingBi Arthralgia Leg SyndromeBi / Arthralgia Leg SyndromeVoice LossVoice LossWheezing
Protocols using ST40
- Depression, Stroke, Stroke Sequelae – LI04, LI10, LI11, ST08, ST36, ST40, SP06, HT07, BL59, GB08, GB15, CV04, GV20, GV26 (Can Acupuncture Treat Post-stroke Depression?. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02644161)
- Cognitive Impairment Post-stroke, Dementia Prevention, Stroke Ischemic Sequelae – ST02, ST40, SP06, HT07, BL10, PC06, GB12, GB20, LV03, GV20, GV26 (https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000023803)
- Anxiety, Insomnia, Depression Post-stroke, Hopelessness – LI04, ST36, ST40, SP06, HT07, PC06, LV03, GV20, GV24, XH03 (https://doi.org/10.13703/j.0255-2930.2017.06.003)
- Postpartum Weight Retention – ST25, ST28, ST40, SP06, SP15, CV09 (Laser Acupuncture for Postpartum Weight Retention. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02840916)
- Obesity, Overweight, Waist Circumference Elevated – LI11, ST24, ST25, ST36, ST40, BL20, BL21, TB06, CV09, CV12 (https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/4780019)
- Numbness, Tingling, Neuropathic Pain, Neuropathy Peripheral Chemotherapy-induced – LI04, ST40, SI03, PC06, GB42, LV03 (https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.0681)
- Neuropathy Peripheral, Neuropathic Pain, Neuropathy Diabetic – ST36, ST40, SP06, SP09, GB41, LV03 (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-025-05135-y)
- Neuropathy Peripheral Chemotherapy-induced, Extremities Numbness, Peripheral Pain, Tingling Extremities – LI04, ST40, SI03, PC06, GB42, LV03, XL10B, XL10C (https://doi.org/10.1177/15347354221149992)
- Anxiety, Low Mood, Depression Cancer-related – ST40, SP06, BL18, BL62 (https://doi.org/10.3389/fonc.2022.1036634)
- Hyperemesis Gravidarum, Nausea Pregnancy, Vomiting Pregnancy, Nausea And Vomiting Of Pregnancy – ST36, ST40, PC05, PC06, GB20, CV12, CV17, GV20 (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04656-2)
- Epilepsy Drug-resistant, Seizures Focal, Seizures Tonic-clonic – ST40, BL15, BL18, GB34, GV14, GV20 (https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/5871991)
- Obesity, Overweight – ST25, ST40, BL20, CV12 (https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.952373)