Three Miles
Dear Patient,
It seems everyone is worn out these days. We can’t sleep at night, we have no energy during the day, and somehow we’re supposed to fit in an ever-growing list of demands. Sometimes even one more step forward feels impossible.
This is where the Three Mile points come in.
Located on the forearm is Large Intestine 10 or Arm Three Miles. And just below the knee is Stomach 36 or Leg Three Miles (scroll down for detailed location instructions).
In China I observed doctors injecting herbal decoctions at Stomach 36, aka Leg Three Miles. Why this point in particular? Because it’s the single most important point in the body to generate more qi and blood. It’s like a key that unlocks every door in a house, rather than just one room. Qin Cheng-zu of the Song Dynasty declared that by stimulating Stomach 36, “all diseases can be treated.” Large Intestine 10, aka Arm Three Miles, has a lesser action but supports the work of ST36.
It’s like these points give you the fortitude to keep going, to soldier on, to walk another three miles. I needle them every day in my practice, and you can stimulate them at home with acupressure. Find the spot (it’ll be tender), press, breathe.
Then keep going. You can make it another three miles.
Love and gratitude,
Your Acupuncturist
P.S. Every week I write about a different point. Are there any you’re curious about? Let me know!
Location Notes:
I’m no artist, as anyone who viewed last week’s T. Rex drawing could surmise. I won’t even attempt to replicate human anatomy, so check out these diagrams of Large Intestine 10 and Stomach 36 for visuals.
Large Intestine 10
To locate LI 10, hold your arm at chest height with your palm facing your chest, elbow bent. The Large Intestine channel runs along the top ridge of your forearm, down to your index finger. First find Large Intestine 11, which is at the crook of your elbow where the crease ends. About two inches distal to that, towards the wrist, is LI 10—sometimes there’s a crease in the skin there too.
Stomach 36
ST 36 is located below the knee, on the lateral or outer side of the shin bone. There are two little depressions right below your kneecap—we call this the calf’s nose. Find the outer “nostril,” then about three inches below that is ST 36. Make sure you’re pressing on the fleshy, muscular area next to the bone and not the bone itself.
Both of these points will be tender when you’re on the right spot!