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Tiaokou (ST-38), “Ribbon Opening”, on the lower leg, activates the channel and is the empirical distal point for frozen shoulder (often needled through towards UB-57).
Location
On the anterior lower leg, 8 cun inferior to ST-35, one finger-breadth lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia (midway between ST-35 and ST-41).
Anatomy
On tibialis anterior; the anterior tibial artery and vein; the lateral sural cutaneous nerve and the deep peroneal nerve.
Actions & Functions
- Activates the channel and benefits the shoulder (empirical point for frozen shoulder)
- Benefits the lower leg
Indications
Frozen shoulder, pain and weakness of the leg and foot, and atrophy and motor impairment of the lower limb.
Needling
1.0-1.5 cun perpendicular, or threaded towards UB-57 for frozen shoulder.
Moxibustion Suitability
Suitable for moxibustion.
Point Combinations
Needled with strong stimulation while the patient mobilises the shoulder for frozen shoulder.
Classical Text References
The empirical distal point for frozen shoulder.
Cautions & Contraindications
None specific.
Latest Research
Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.