Grandfather Grandson might seem like a puzzling name for an acupoint. Usually, acupoint names hint at their effects or location—not this one. Rather than referencing family lineage, it is the surname of Emperor Gongsun Xuanyuan, also known as the Yellow Emperor.
Yes, that same legendary ruler often associated with the origins of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), including the foundational “Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon” (“Huangdi Neijing”). An acupoint named after such a formidable figure suggests power, history, and profound effects. Indeed, the Gong Sun, located on the foot, delivers more than a cool name. Let’s look at how it functions and why it is a vital part of many TCM protocols.
Why Gong Sun Stands Out in Classical Theory
Gong Sun was first introduced in “Ling Shu” (“Spiritual Pivot”), one of the foundational texts of acupuncture. It is a Luo-Connecting point on the Spleen meridian. Such acupoints extend their influence beyond their meridian and connect to another energetic pathway of the body, in this case, the extraordinary vessel Chong Mai, often translated as the Penetrating Vessel or Thoroughfare Vessel.
Chong Mai is also often called the “Sea of Blood,” as it regulates blood distribution and all blood-related disharmonies. That gives Gong Sun a direct line to a broader system that expands beyond digestion toward systemic functions like reproductive health, abdominal circulation, and emotional regulation.
The Functional Power of Gong Sun
The link between Gong Sun and the spleen-stomach axis means it’s often used to relieve serious abdominal discomfort or epigastric pain. For experiences of digestive distress, from minor issues like loss of appetite to acute problems like food poisoning and dysentery—this point can offer support—and its benefits go on.
Gong Sun’s ability to promote the smooth flow of qi and blood in the abdomen makes it relevant for complex internal blockages that manifest as fibroids, cysts, or other pathological masses in that region.
From a holistic standpoint, Gong Sun’s connection to spleen and blood makes it useful for calming restlessness and anxiety.
Bridging the Gap With Modern Clinical Research
Modern clinical studies are validating what ancient texts have long maintained. One trial compared two groups of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease. One group received omeprazole (a standard pharmaceutical treatment), and the other underwent acupuncture, including Gong Sun among its primary points.
After eight weeks, both groups saw notable improvements, but the acupuncture group had superior outcomes in quality of life and anxiety reduction. Moreover, the acupuncture group showed more balanced levels of gastrointestinal hormones—specifically increased gastrin and motilin, which help move food along the digestive tract. It also reduced VIP, a hormone linked to excessive relaxation of the esophageal sphincter, which worsens reflux. The evidence supports the practical capacity of Gong Sun to treat complex digestive and emotional symptoms holistically.
How to Locate and Activate Gong Sun
Gong Sun is found in a small dip just below the base of the big toe bone, right where the color of the skin changes from light to dark on the arch of your foot. If you run your fingers gently along the inner arch, you’ll feel a spot that’s a bit tender or sore—that’s your target.
How to Activate the Acupoint
You can stimulate Gong Sun at home using any of the following methods:
- Firm pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Circular massage: Massage in small circles with your index finger or thumb for one to three minutes on each side.
- Herbal patches: Apply an herbal patch overnight for longer activation.
- Advanced methods: Acupuncture or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) by a trained professional can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precautions
Avoid using this point if you have open wounds or unhealed injuries in the area. If you’re using herbal patches, choose those made from natural ingredients—harsh chemicals can irritate the skin, especially if yours is sensitive.
Your Body’s Natural Digestive Medicine
Gong Sun is a powerful tool for people who need help with digestion, emotional regulation, or abdominal circulation. It’s especially helpful after eating something questionable, or as a preventive measure to keep the digestive system running smoothly. Since it connects with both the spleen and the blood, it can potentially regulate your body’s postnatal constitution or how it copes with environmental stressors.
Activating this point delivers more than symptom relief. You’re tapping into a deeper current of holistic wellness, grounded in thousands of years of clinical tradition.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 8 June 2025
