ST36 Zu San Li (足三里) Cat Acupuncture Point
In cats, ST36 (Zu San Li, 足三里) is a feline acupuncture point on the Stomach meridian. It is located 3 cun below ST-35, one finger-breadth lateral to tibial crest. Traditional indications in this chart include indigestion, diarrhea, hind limb paralysis.
This page is educational. It describes a point in cats as listed in traditional charts and does not give treatment advice. Points should be needled only by trained veterinary professionals, and cats are small and sensitive. See our Medical Disclaimer.
Quick facts
- Species
- Cat
- Point code
- ST36
- Pinyin
- Zu San Li
- English name
- Leg Three Miles
- Chinese name
- 足三里
- Meridian
- Stomach
- Element or system
- Earth
- Needle depth listed (practitioners only)
- 0.3 to 0.5 cm
- Point category
- He-Sea
Needle depths are shallow because cats are small. They are shown for reference and are not instructions for owners.
Where is ST36 Zu San Li on a cat?
3 cun below ST-35, one finger-breadth lateral to tibial crest.
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 cat.
Traditional indications
- Indigestion
- diarrhea
- hind limb paralysis
- immune enhancement
- general tonic
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 cats.
Cat conditions that mention ST36 Zu San Li
PetAcu cat condition guides that name this point:
- Kidney diseaseThis point is included among those traditionally discussed for this condition.
- FIPThe chart lists this point for immune enhancement.
- Fatty liver (FHL)This point is included among those traditionally discussed for this condition.
- IBDThe chart lists this point for indigestion, diarrhea.
- Seizures and epilepsyThis point is included among those traditionally discussed for this condition.
- ArthritisThe chart lists this point for hind limb paralysis.
- HyperthyroidismThis point is included among those traditionally discussed for this condition.
- DiabetesThe chart lists this point for indigestion.
- Cancer painThe chart lists this point for immune enhancement.
Points often discussed alongside ST36 Zu San Li
These feline acupuncture points appear in the same cat condition guides. A practitioner chooses a combination for each cat.
Safety notes
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Cats are small and sensitive, and shallow needling and short sessions are usual. Needle depth, angle and technique depend on the point and on the size and condition of the cat. Note from the source chart: Listed as one of the most frequently used points in feline practice.
Never apply pressure or heat to a painful area on a cat. If your cat suddenly cannot use the back legs, is breathing with an open mouth, or is straining to urinate, see a veterinarian immediately.
Questions about ST36 Zu San Li
Where is ST36 Zu San Li on a cat?
3 cun below ST-35, one finger-breadth lateral to tibial crest. Locations are approximate and are found by palpation by a trained practitioner.
What is ST36 Zu San Li used for in feline acupuncture?
The source chart lists indigestion, diarrhea, hind limb paralysis, immune enhancement, general tonic as traditional indications. This is traditional use and not proof of effect.
Can I use ST36 Zu San Li as a cat acupressure point at home?
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Gentle pressure is sometimes shown by veterinarians, so ask yours first, especially if your cat is unwell, in pain or has not been examined.
Learn more and next steps
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Other Stomach acupuncture points for cats
Species: cat. Point data compiled by PetAcu from small-animal acupuncture textbooks and TCVM references (feline chapters). Back to the cat acupuncture points chart or the veterinary acupuncture points atlas.