When it comes to acupoints that make waves in both classical texts and modern wellness trends, Leg Three Miles (Zu San Li, ST36) is the point that stands out. Located on your lower leg, Zu San Li has earned a rockstar reputation for its ability to boost vitality, support digestion, and even extend your lifespan.
Classical Context and Theoretical Foundations
Zu San Li first appears in the “Ling Shu” (“Spiritual Pivot”), one of the foundational texts of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is classified as a He-Sea point on the Stomach meridian or energetic pathway connected to the stomach function in TCM. He-Sea points are said to have direct access to the organ of their meridian. Since the stomach and spleen are considered the body’s “postnatal root”—the organs that transform food into qi (vital energy) and blood—having control over their function translates into optimizing the energy and vitality circulating through your system.
Zu San Li is also one of the Four Sea Points, the Sea of Water and Grain, or, in plain terms, nutrition. It manages how your body responds to the environment based on its available resources. Think of it as the point that tunes your body’s ability to adapt, build, and thrive with the fuel you give it.
What Zu San Li Does for You
Zu San Li is legendary for promoting longevity, vitality, and enhancing the quality and quantity of energy and blood produced by the body from food. It’s also often used to treat digestive issues, such as gastric pain, indigestion, hernia, and bloating. Its influence also extends beyond the belly—because it strengthens the whole system, it’s also called upon to help with fatigue, low mood, poor immunity, and even chest issues such as cough and wheezing.
Modern Science Takes Notice
With such bold claims from ancient texts, it’s no surprise that researchers have started to investigate Zu San Li. One animal study examined how the effects of moxibustion, a gentle heat therapy using dried mugwort, applied to this point could affect aging. Rats that were artificially aged showed higher levels of oxidative stress and poor gut health. However, after receiving daily moxibustion on Zu San Li, their antioxidant levels increased, harmful oxidative markers dropped, and their gut bacteria shifted toward a healthier balance. Zu San Li may help reduce oxidative stress and improve microbiome health, two key areas of focus in modern anti-aging science.
Moreen Liao
R.Ph. of TCM (Taiwan)
Moreen was born into a family with a lineage of four generations of traditional Chinese medicine doctors and professors.
She was Dean of the Natural Therapies Institute in Sydney, Australia.
Drawing on her family heritage, she created a certified organic wellness brand, and co-founded the largest Chinese medical image encyclopedia online.
