ST36 Zu San Li (足三里) Dog Acupuncture Point
In dogs, ST36 (Zu San Li, 足三里) is a point on the Stomach meridian. Location: 3 cun distal to ST-35, laterally at the height of the distal end of the tibial tuberosity, in a depression roughly in the center of the tibialis cranialis muscle. Traditional indications in this chart include all gastrointestinal problems, stomach or biliary colic, impaired digestion.
This page is educational. It describes a point in dogs as listed in traditional charts and does not give treatment advice. Points should be needled only by trained veterinary professionals. See our Medical Disclaimer.
Quick facts
- Species
- Dog
- Point code
- ST36
- Pinyin
- Zu San Li
- Chinese name
- 足三里
- Meridian
- Stomach
- Element or system
- Earth
- Point category and notes
- He-Sea; Master tonification point; Vet 'Hou San Li'
Where is ST36 Zu San Li on a dog?
3 cun distal to ST-35, laterally at the height of the distal end of the tibial tuberosity, in a depression roughly in the center of the tibialis cranialis muscle.
Point locations are approximate and vary with breed and body size. A trained practitioner finds the point by feeling anatomical landmarks.
“Cun” is a proportional unit used to find points on the body, so distances scale with the size of the dog.
Want ST36 Zu San Li on a chart you can keep? Our printable dog acupuncture point chart and cards are an instant download you can print or edit for study notes and clinic handouts.
Traditional indications
- All gastrointestinal problems
- stomach or biliary colic
- impaired digestion
- knee problems
- tibial and fibular paralysis
- immunodeficiency
- tendency to infection
- fever
- anorexia
- lethargy
- asthma
Indications are taken from traditional veterinary acupuncture charts. They describe how the point has been used and are not proof that it treats these conditions in dogs.
Dog conditions that mention ST36 Zu San Li
PetAcu dog condition guides that name this point:
- Hind leg weaknessThe chart lists this point for tibial and fibular paralysis.
- OsteoarthritisThe chart lists this point for knee problems.
- Hip dysplasiaThe chart lists this point for tibial and fibular paralysis.
- CCL / ACL injuryThe chart lists this point for knee problems.
- Post-surgical recoveryThe chart lists this point for immunodeficiency, knee problems, tibial and fibular paralysis.
- Cancer painThe chart lists this point for immunodeficiency, impaired digestion, anorexia, lethargy.
- Chemotherapy side effectsThe chart lists this point for impaired digestion, anorexia, lethargy.
- IBD, liver and GIThe chart lists this point for all gastrointestinal problems, impaired digestion.
Points often discussed alongside ST36 Zu San Li
These points appear in the same dog condition guides. A practitioner chooses a combination for each dog.
See these points together on a editable dog acupuncture points map with English and Chinese names, available as a digital download from PetAcu.
Safety notes
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Needle depth, angle and technique depend on the point, the size of the dog and its condition.
Some owners are shown gentle acupressure by their veterinarian. Do not press on a painful area, and stop if your dog shows pain, guarding or anxiety. If your dog suddenly cannot walk or is in severe pain, see a veterinarian immediately.
Questions about ST36 Zu San Li
Where is ST36 Zu San Li on a dog?
3 cun distal to ST-35, laterally at the height of the distal end of the tibial tuberosity, in a depression roughly in the center of the tibialis cranialis muscle. Locations are approximate and are found by palpation by a trained practitioner.
What is ST36 Zu San Li used for in veterinary acupuncture?
The source chart lists all gastrointestinal problems, stomach or biliary colic, impaired digestion, knee problems, tibial and fibular paralysis, immunodeficiency, tendency to infection, fever and others as traditional indications. This is traditional use and not proof of effect.
Can I use ST36 Zu San Li at home?
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Gentle acupressure is sometimes shown by veterinarians, so ask yours first, especially if your dog is in pain, has a spinal problem or has not been examined.
Is there a printable or downloadable dog acupuncture point chart?
Yes. PetAcu offers a printable dog acupuncture point chart and illustrated point cards as an instant digital download, with English and Chinese names, so points such as ST36 Zu San Li are easy to find again. Editable files are available for study notes and clinic handouts. See the printable dog acupuncture point cards or browse PetAcu digital products. A chart is a learning and reference aid, not a treatment plan.
Learn more and next steps
Printable dog acupuncture point cards
Illustrated cards showing common dog points, with English and Chinese names and Five Element colour coding. Instant download on Gumroad.
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Other Stomach points with guides
Species: dog. Point data compiled by PetAcu from Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats: A Pocket Atlas (Eul-Matern, Thieme, 2nd edition, 2022). Back to the dog acupuncture points chart or the veterinary acupuncture points atlas. Looking for a downloadable version? Get the dog acupuncture chart and point cards or other PetAcu digital charts.