3. POINTS OF THE STOMACH MERIDIAN OF FOOT - YANGMING
ST 1
Chinese Name: Cheng Qi
English Name:
Location: With the eyes looking straight forward, the point is directly below the pupil, between the eyeball and the infraorbital ridge.
Indications: Redness, swelling and pain of the eye, lacrimation, night blindness, eyelid twitching, facial paralysis/Bell palsy.
Acupuncture Method: Push the eyeball upward with the left thumb and puncture perpendicularly and slowly 0.5-1.0 inch along the infraorbital ridge. It is not advisable to manipulate the needle with large amplitude.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the infraorbital artery and infraorbital vein, and ophthalmic artery and ophthalmic veins.
Innervation: The branch of the infraorbital nerve, the inferior branch of the oculomotor nerve and the muscular branch of the facial nerve.
ST 2
Chinese Name: Si Bai
English Name:
Location: Directly below the pupil, in the depression at the infraorbital foramen.
Indications: Redness, pain and itching of the eye, facial paralysis, twitching of eye lids, pain in the face.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.2-0.3 inch. It is not advisable to puncture deeply.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of facial artery and vein, the infraorbital artery and vein.
Innervation: The branches of the facial nerve. The point is right on the course of the infraorbital nerve.
ST 3
Chinese Name: Juliao
English Name:
Location: Directly below the pupil, at the level of the lower border of ala nasi, on the lateral side of the nasolabial groove.
Indications: Facial paralysis, eyelid twitch, epistaxis, toothache, swelling of lips and cheek.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the facial and infraorbital arteries and veins.
Innervation: The branches of the facial and infraorbital nerves.
ST 4
Chinese Name: Dicang
English Name:
Location: Lateral to the corner of the mouth, directly below the pupil.
Indications: Deviation of the mouth, hypersalivation, eyelid twitching.
Method: Puncture subcutaneously 1.0-1.5 inches with the tip of the needle directed towards Jiache (ST 6). Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The facial artery and vein.
Innervation: Superficially, the branches of the facial and infraorbital nerves; deeper, the terminal branch of the buccal nerve.
ST 5
Chinese Name: Daying
English Name:
Location: Anterior to the angle of mandible, on the anterior border of the attached portion of m. masseter where the pulsation of facial artery is palpable, in the groove-like depression appearing when the cheek is bulged.
Indications: Facial paralysis, trismus, swelling of the cheek, facial pain, toothache.
Acupuncture Method: Avoid puncturing the artery. Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: Anteriorly, the facial artery and vein.
Innervation: The facial and buccal nerves.
ST 6
Chinese Name: Jiache
English Name:
Location: One finger-breadth (middle finger) anterior and superior to the lower angle of the mandible where m. masseter is prominence when the teeth are clenched and depressive when it is pressed.
Indications: Facial paralysis, toothache, swelling of the cheek and face, mumps, trismus.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch or subcutaneously with the tip of the needle directed towards Dicang (ST 4). Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The masseteric artery.
Innervation: The great auricular nerve, facial nerve and masseteric nerve.
ST 7
Chinese Name: Xiaguan
English Name:
Location: On the face, anterior to the ear, in the depression between the zygomatic arch and the mandibular notch. This point is located with the mouth closed.
Indications: Deafness, tinnitus, otorrhea, toothache, facial paralysis, pain of the face, motor impairment of the jaw.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.1- 0.5 cun. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: Superficially, the transverse facial artery and vein; in the deepest layer, the maxillary artery and maxillary vein.
Innervation: The zygomatic branch of the facial nerve and the branches of the auriculotemporal nerve.
ST 8
Chinese Name: Touwei
English Name:
Location: On the lateral side of the head, 0.5 cun above the anterior hairline at the corner of the forehead, and 4.5 cun lateral to the midline of the head.
Indications: Headache, blurring of vision, ophthalmalgia, lacrimation.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture 0.5-1.0 inch subcutaneously.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The frontal branches of the superficial temporal artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of the auriculotemporal nerve and the temporal branch of the facial nerve.
ST 9
Chinese Name: Renying
English Name:
Location: Level with the tip of Adam's apple where the pulsation of common carotid artery is palpable, on the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Indications: Sore throat, asthma, goiter, dizziness, flushing of the face.
Acupuncture Method: Avoid puncturing the common carotid artery, puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The superior thyroid artery on the bifurcation of the internal and the external carotid artery.
Innervation: Superficially, the cutaneous cervical nerve, the cervical branch of the facial nerve; deeper, the sympathetic trunk; laterally, the descending branch of the hypoglossal nerve and the vagus nerve.
ST 10
Chinese Name: Shuitu
English Name:
Location: At the midpoint of the line joining Renying (ST 9) and Qishe (ST 11), on the anterior border of m. sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Indications: Sore throat, asthma, cough.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The common carotid artery.
Innervation: Superficially, the cutaneous cervical nerve; deeper, the superior cardiac nerve issued from the sympathetic nerve and the sympathetic trunk.
ST 11
Chinese Name: Qishe
English Name:
Location: At the superior border of the sternal extremity of the clavicle, between the sternal head and clavicular head of m. sternocleidomastoideus.
Indications: Sore throat, pain and rigidity of the neck, asthma, hiccup, goiter.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: Superficially, the anterior jugular vein; deeper, the common carotid artery.
Innervation: The medial supraclavicular nerve and the muscular branch of ansa cervicalis.
ST 12
Chinese Name: Quepen
English Name:
Location: In the midpoint of the supraclavicular fossa, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Indications: Cough, asthma, sore throat, pain in the supraclavicular fossa.
Acupuncture Method: Avoid puncturing the artery. Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch.
Deep puncture is not advisable. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: Superiorly, the transverse cervical artery.
Innervation: Superficially, the intermediate supraclavicular nerve; deeper, the supraclavicular portion of brachial plexus.
ST 13
Chinese Name: Qihu
English Name:
Location: At the lower border of the middle of the clavicle, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Indications: Fullness in the chest, asthma, cough, hiccup, chest pain and hypochondriac pain.
Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the thoracoacromial artery and thoracoacromial vein; superiorly, the subclavicular vein.
Innervation: The branches of the supraclavicular nerve and the anterior thoracic nerve. .
ST 14
Chinese Name: Kufang
English Name:
Location: In the 1st intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Indications: Sensation of fullness in the chest, chest pain, cough.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture• obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The thoracoacromial artery and vein and the branches of the lateral thoracic artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of the anteri,or thoracic nerve.
ST 15
Chinese Name: Wuyi
English Name:
Location: In the 2nd intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Indications: Fullness and pain in the chest and the costal region, cough, asthma, mastitis.
Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: See Kufang (ST 14).
Innervation: On the course of the branch of m. pectoralis major derived from the anterior thoracic nerve.
ST 16
Chinese Name: Yingchuang
English Name:
Location: In the 3rd intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Indications: Fullness and pain in the chest and hypochondrium, cough, asthma, mastitis.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The lateral thoracic artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of the anterior thoracic nerve.
ST 17
Chinese Name: Ruzhong
English Name:
Location: In the 4th intercostal space, in the centre of the nipple, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
No acupuncture and moxibustion. This point serves only as a landmark for locating points on the chest and abdomen.
Regional anatomy Innervation: The anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of the fourth intercostal nerve.
ST 18
Chinese Name: Rugen
English Name:
Location: On the chest, directly below the nipple, on the lower border of breast, in the 5th intercostal space, 4 cun laterals to the anterior midline.
Indications: Pain in the chest, cough, asthma, mastitis, insufficient lactation.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of the fifth intercostal nerve.
ST 19
Chinese Name: Burong
English Name:
Location: 6 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Juque (CV 14).
Indications: Abdominal distension, vomiting, gastric pain, anorexia.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-0.8 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the seventh intercostal artery and vein, the branches of the superior epigastric artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of the seventh intercostal nerve.
ST 20
Chinese Name: Chengman
English Name:
Location: 5 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Shangwan (CV 13).
Indications: Gastric pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, anorexia.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Burong (ST 19)
ST 21
Chinese Name: Liangmen
English Name:
Location: 4 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Zhongwan (CV 12).
Indications: Gastric pain, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal distension, diarrhea.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the eighth intercostal and superior epigastric arteries and veins.
Innervation: The branch of the eighth intercostal nerve.
ST 22
Chinese Name: Guanmen
English Name:
Location: 3 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Jianli (CV 11).
Indications: Abdominal distension and pain, anorexia, borborygmus, diarrhea, edema.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Liangmen (ST 21)
ST 23
Chinese Name: Taiyi
English Name:
Location: 2 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Xiawan (CV 10).
Indications: Gastric pain, irritability, mania, indigestion.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the eighth and ninth intercostal and inferior epigastric arteries and veins.
Innervation: The branches of the eighth and ninth intercostal nerves.
ST 24
Chinese Name: Huaroumen
English Name:
Location: 1 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Shuifen (CV 9).
Indications: Gastric pain, vomiting, mania.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy Vasculature: The branches of the ninth intercostal and inferior epigastric arteries and veins.
Innervation: The branch of the ninth intercostal nerve.
ST 25 (Front-Mu Point of the Large Intestine)
Chinese Name: Tianshu
English Name:
Location: 2 cun lateral to the centre of the umbilicus.
Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, borborygmus, pain around the umbilicus, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, irregular menstruation, edema.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vascuklture: The branches of the tenth intercostal and inferior epigastric arterie and inferior epigastric vein.
Innervation: The branch of the tenth intercostal nerve.
ST 26
Chinese Name: Wailing
English Name:
Location: 1 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Yinjiao (CV 7).
Indications: Abdominal pain, hernia, dysmenorrhea.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Tianshu (ST 25)
ST 27
Chinese Name: Daju
English Name:
Location: 2 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Shimen (CV 5).
Indications: Lower abdominal distension, dysuria, hernia, seminal emission, premature ejaculation.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the eleventh intercostal artery and vein; laterally, the inferior epigastric artery and vein.
Innervation: The eleventh intercostal nerve.
ST 28
Chinese Name: Shuidao
English Name:
Location: 3 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Guanyuan (CV 4).
Indications: Lower abdominal distension, retention of urine, edema, hernia, dysmenorrhea, sterility.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the subcostal artery and subcostal vein; laterally, the inferior epigastric artery and vein.
Innervation: A branch of the subcostal nerve.
ST 29
Chinese Name: Guilai
English Name:
Location: 4 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Zhongji (CV 3).
Indications: Abdominal pain, hernia, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, leucorrhea, prolapse of the uterus.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: Laterally, the inferior epigastric artery and vein.
Innervation: The iliohypogastric nerve.
ST 30
Chinese Name: Qichong
English Name:
Location: 5 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Qugu (CV 2).
Indications: Abdominal pain, borborygmus, hernia, swelling and pain of the external genitalia, impotence, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the superficial epigastric artery and vein; laterally, the inferior epigastric artery and vein.
Innervation: The pathway of the ilioinguinal nerve.
ST 31
Chinese Name: Diguan
English Name:
Location: On the anterior side of the thigh and on the line connecting the anterosuperior iliac spine and the superiolateral corner of the patella, on the level of the perineum when the thigh is fixed, in the depression lateral to the sartorius muscle.
Indications: Pain in the thigh, muscular atrophy, motor impairment, numbness and pain of the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 1.0-1.5 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy Vasculature: Deeper, the branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.
ST 32
Chinese Name: Futu
English Name:
Location: On the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine and lateral border of the patella, 6 cun above the laterosuperior border of the patella.
Indications: Pain in the lumbar and iliac region, coldness of the knee, paralysis or motor impairment and pain of the lower extremities, beriberi.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 1.0-1.5 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and vein.
Innervation: The anterior and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves.
ST 33
Chinese Name: Yinshi
English Name:
Location: When the knee is flexed, the point is 3 cun above the laterosuperior border of the patella, on the line joining the laterosuperior border of the patella and the anterior superior iliac spine.
Indications: Numbness, soreness, motor impairment of the leg and knee, motor impairment of the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery.
Innervation: The anterior and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves.
ST 34 (Xi-Cleft Point)
Chinese Name: Liangqiu
English Name:
Location: When the knee is flexed, the point is 2 cun above the laterosuperior border of the patella.
Indications: Pain and numbness of the knee, gastric pain, mastitis, motor impairment of the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 05-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Yinshi (ST 33)
ST 35
Chinese Name: Dubi
English Name:
Location: When the knee is flexed, the point is at the lower border of the patella, in the depression lateral to the patellar ligament.
Indications: Pain, numbness and motor impairment of the knee, beriberi.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The arterial and venous network around the knee joint.
Innervation: The lateral sural cutaneous nerve and the articular branch of the common peroneal nerve.
ST 36 (He-Sea Point)
Chinese Name: Zusanli
English Name:
Location: 3 cun below Dubi (ST 35), one finger-breadth (middle finger) from the anterior border of the tibia.
Indications: Gastric pain, vomiting, hiccup, abdominal distension, borborygmus, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, mastitis, enteritis, aching of the knee joint and leg, beriberi, edema, cough, asthma, emaciation due to general deficiency, indigestion, apoplexy, hemiplegia, dizziness, insomnia, mania.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The anterior tibial artery and vein.
Innervation: Superficially, the lateral sural cutaneous nerve and the cutaneous branch of the saphenous nerve; deeper, the deep peroneal nerve.
ST 37 (The Lower He-Sea Point of the Large Intestine)
Chinese Name: Shangjuxu
English Name:
Location: 6 cun below Dubi (ST 35), and one finger breadth (middle finger) from the anterior border of the tibia.
Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, borborygmus, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, enteritis, paralysis due to stroke, beriberi.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Zusanli (ST 36)
ST 38
Chinese Name: Tiaokou
English Name:
Location: 8 cun below Dubi (ST 35) and on finger breadth (middle finger) from the anterior border of the tibia.
Indications: Numbness, soreness and pain of the knee and leg, weakness and motor impairment of the foot, pain and motor impairment of the shoulder, abdominal pain.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Zusanli (ST 36)
ST 39 (The Lower He-Sea Point of the Small Intestine)
Chinese Name: Xiajuxu
English Name:
Location: 9 cun below (Dubi (ST 35) and one finger breadth (middle finger) from the anterior border of the tibia.
Indications: Lower abdominal pain, backache referring to the testis, mastitis, numbness and paralysis of the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The anterior tibial artery and anterior tibial vein.
Innervation: The branches of the superficial peroneal nerve and the deep peroneal nerve.
ST 40 (Luo-Connecting Point)
Chinese Name: Fenglong
English Name:
Location: 8 cun superior to the tip of the external malleolus, lateral to Tiaokou (ST 38) about two finger-breadth lateral to the anterior border of the tibia.
Indications: Headache, dizziness and vertigo, cough, asthma, excessive sputum, pain in the chest, constipation, mania, epilepsy, muscular atrophy, motor impairment, pain, swelling or paralysis of the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the anterior tibial artery and vein.
Innervation: The superficial peroneal nerve.
ST 41 (Jing-River Point)
Chinese Name: Jiexi
English Name:
Location: On the dorsum of the foot, at the midpoint of the transverse crease of the ankle joint, in the depression between the tendons of m. extensor digitorum longus and hallucis longus, approximately at the level of the tip of the lateral malleolus.
Indications: Pain of the ankle joint, muscular atrophy, motor impairment, pain and paralysis of the lower extremities, epilepsy, headache, dizziness and vertigo, abdominal distension, constipation.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-0.7 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The anterior tibial artery and vein.
Innervation: The superficial and deep peroneal nerves.
ST 42 (Yuan-Primary Point)
Chinese Name: Chongyang
English Name:
Location: On the dome of the instep of the foot, between the tendons of long extensor muscle of the great toe and long extensor muscle of toes, where the pulsation of the dorsal artery of foot is palpable.
Indications: Pain of the upper teeth, redness and swelling of the dorsum of the foot, facial paralysis, muscular atrophy and motor impairment of the foot.
Acupuncture Method: Avoid puncturing the artery.
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The dorsal artery and vein of foot, the dorsal venous network of foot.
Innervation: Superficially, the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve of foot derived from the superficial peroneal nerve; deeper, the deep peroneal nerve.
ST 43 (Shu-Stream Point)
Chinese Name: Xiangu
English Name:
Location: In the depression distal to the junction of the second and third metatarsal bones.
Indications: Facial or general edema, abdominal pain, borborygmus, swelling and pain of the dorsum of the foot.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The dorsal venous network of foot.
Innervation: The medial dorsal cu• taneous nerve of foot.
ST 44 (Ying-Spring Point)
Chinese Name: Neiting
English Name:
Location: Proximal to the web margin between the 2nd and 3rd toes, in the depression distal and lateral to the 2nd metatarsodigital joint.
Indications: Toothache, pain in the face, deviation of the mouth, sore throat, epistaxis, gastric pain, acid regurgitation, abdominal distension, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, swelling and pain of the dorsum of the foot, febrile diseases.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The dorsal venous network of foot.
Innervation: Just where the lateral branch of the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve divides into dorsal digital nerves.
ST 45 (Jing-Well Point)
Chinese Name: Lidui
English Name:
Location: On the lateral side of the 2nd toe, 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.
Indications: Facial swelling, deviation of the mouth, epistaxis, toothache, sore throat and hoarse voice, abdominal distension, coldness in the leg and foot, febrile diseases, dream-disturbed sleep, mania.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.1 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The arterial and venous network formed by the dorsal digital artery and vein of foot.
Innervation: The dorsal digital nerve derived from the superficial peroneal nerve.
Chinese Name: Cheng Qi
English Name:
Location: With the eyes looking straight forward, the point is directly below the pupil, between the eyeball and the infraorbital ridge.
Indications: Redness, swelling and pain of the eye, lacrimation, night blindness, eyelid twitching, facial paralysis/Bell palsy.
Acupuncture Method: Push the eyeball upward with the left thumb and puncture perpendicularly and slowly 0.5-1.0 inch along the infraorbital ridge. It is not advisable to manipulate the needle with large amplitude.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the infraorbital artery and infraorbital vein, and ophthalmic artery and ophthalmic veins.
Innervation: The branch of the infraorbital nerve, the inferior branch of the oculomotor nerve and the muscular branch of the facial nerve.
ST 2
Chinese Name: Si Bai
English Name:
Location: Directly below the pupil, in the depression at the infraorbital foramen.
Indications: Redness, pain and itching of the eye, facial paralysis, twitching of eye lids, pain in the face.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.2-0.3 inch. It is not advisable to puncture deeply.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of facial artery and vein, the infraorbital artery and vein.
Innervation: The branches of the facial nerve. The point is right on the course of the infraorbital nerve.
ST 3
Chinese Name: Juliao
English Name:
Location: Directly below the pupil, at the level of the lower border of ala nasi, on the lateral side of the nasolabial groove.
Indications: Facial paralysis, eyelid twitch, epistaxis, toothache, swelling of lips and cheek.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the facial and infraorbital arteries and veins.
Innervation: The branches of the facial and infraorbital nerves.
ST 4
Chinese Name: Dicang
English Name:
Location: Lateral to the corner of the mouth, directly below the pupil.
Indications: Deviation of the mouth, hypersalivation, eyelid twitching.
Method: Puncture subcutaneously 1.0-1.5 inches with the tip of the needle directed towards Jiache (ST 6). Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The facial artery and vein.
Innervation: Superficially, the branches of the facial and infraorbital nerves; deeper, the terminal branch of the buccal nerve.
ST 5
Chinese Name: Daying
English Name:
Location: Anterior to the angle of mandible, on the anterior border of the attached portion of m. masseter where the pulsation of facial artery is palpable, in the groove-like depression appearing when the cheek is bulged.
Indications: Facial paralysis, trismus, swelling of the cheek, facial pain, toothache.
Acupuncture Method: Avoid puncturing the artery. Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: Anteriorly, the facial artery and vein.
Innervation: The facial and buccal nerves.
ST 6
Chinese Name: Jiache
English Name:
Location: One finger-breadth (middle finger) anterior and superior to the lower angle of the mandible where m. masseter is prominence when the teeth are clenched and depressive when it is pressed.
Indications: Facial paralysis, toothache, swelling of the cheek and face, mumps, trismus.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch or subcutaneously with the tip of the needle directed towards Dicang (ST 4). Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The masseteric artery.
Innervation: The great auricular nerve, facial nerve and masseteric nerve.
ST 7
Chinese Name: Xiaguan
English Name:
Location: On the face, anterior to the ear, in the depression between the zygomatic arch and the mandibular notch. This point is located with the mouth closed.
Indications: Deafness, tinnitus, otorrhea, toothache, facial paralysis, pain of the face, motor impairment of the jaw.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.1- 0.5 cun. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: Superficially, the transverse facial artery and vein; in the deepest layer, the maxillary artery and maxillary vein.
Innervation: The zygomatic branch of the facial nerve and the branches of the auriculotemporal nerve.
ST 8
Chinese Name: Touwei
English Name:
Location: On the lateral side of the head, 0.5 cun above the anterior hairline at the corner of the forehead, and 4.5 cun lateral to the midline of the head.
Indications: Headache, blurring of vision, ophthalmalgia, lacrimation.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture 0.5-1.0 inch subcutaneously.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The frontal branches of the superficial temporal artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of the auriculotemporal nerve and the temporal branch of the facial nerve.
ST 9
Chinese Name: Renying
English Name:
Location: Level with the tip of Adam's apple where the pulsation of common carotid artery is palpable, on the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Indications: Sore throat, asthma, goiter, dizziness, flushing of the face.
Acupuncture Method: Avoid puncturing the common carotid artery, puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The superior thyroid artery on the bifurcation of the internal and the external carotid artery.
Innervation: Superficially, the cutaneous cervical nerve, the cervical branch of the facial nerve; deeper, the sympathetic trunk; laterally, the descending branch of the hypoglossal nerve and the vagus nerve.
ST 10
Chinese Name: Shuitu
English Name:
Location: At the midpoint of the line joining Renying (ST 9) and Qishe (ST 11), on the anterior border of m. sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Indications: Sore throat, asthma, cough.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The common carotid artery.
Innervation: Superficially, the cutaneous cervical nerve; deeper, the superior cardiac nerve issued from the sympathetic nerve and the sympathetic trunk.
ST 11
Chinese Name: Qishe
English Name:
Location: At the superior border of the sternal extremity of the clavicle, between the sternal head and clavicular head of m. sternocleidomastoideus.
Indications: Sore throat, pain and rigidity of the neck, asthma, hiccup, goiter.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: Superficially, the anterior jugular vein; deeper, the common carotid artery.
Innervation: The medial supraclavicular nerve and the muscular branch of ansa cervicalis.
ST 12
Chinese Name: Quepen
English Name:
Location: In the midpoint of the supraclavicular fossa, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Indications: Cough, asthma, sore throat, pain in the supraclavicular fossa.
Acupuncture Method: Avoid puncturing the artery. Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch.
Deep puncture is not advisable. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: Superiorly, the transverse cervical artery.
Innervation: Superficially, the intermediate supraclavicular nerve; deeper, the supraclavicular portion of brachial plexus.
ST 13
Chinese Name: Qihu
English Name:
Location: At the lower border of the middle of the clavicle, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Indications: Fullness in the chest, asthma, cough, hiccup, chest pain and hypochondriac pain.
Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the thoracoacromial artery and thoracoacromial vein; superiorly, the subclavicular vein.
Innervation: The branches of the supraclavicular nerve and the anterior thoracic nerve. .
ST 14
Chinese Name: Kufang
English Name:
Location: In the 1st intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Indications: Sensation of fullness in the chest, chest pain, cough.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture• obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The thoracoacromial artery and vein and the branches of the lateral thoracic artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of the anteri,or thoracic nerve.
ST 15
Chinese Name: Wuyi
English Name:
Location: In the 2nd intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Indications: Fullness and pain in the chest and the costal region, cough, asthma, mastitis.
Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: See Kufang (ST 14).
Innervation: On the course of the branch of m. pectoralis major derived from the anterior thoracic nerve.
ST 16
Chinese Name: Yingchuang
English Name:
Location: In the 3rd intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Indications: Fullness and pain in the chest and hypochondrium, cough, asthma, mastitis.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The lateral thoracic artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of the anterior thoracic nerve.
ST 17
Chinese Name: Ruzhong
English Name:
Location: In the 4th intercostal space, in the centre of the nipple, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
No acupuncture and moxibustion. This point serves only as a landmark for locating points on the chest and abdomen.
Regional anatomy Innervation: The anterior and lateral cutaneous branches of the fourth intercostal nerve.
ST 18
Chinese Name: Rugen
English Name:
Location: On the chest, directly below the nipple, on the lower border of breast, in the 5th intercostal space, 4 cun laterals to the anterior midline.
Indications: Pain in the chest, cough, asthma, mastitis, insufficient lactation.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture obliquely 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the intercostal artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of the fifth intercostal nerve.
ST 19
Chinese Name: Burong
English Name:
Location: 6 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Juque (CV 14).
Indications: Abdominal distension, vomiting, gastric pain, anorexia.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-0.8 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the seventh intercostal artery and vein, the branches of the superior epigastric artery and vein.
Innervation: The branch of the seventh intercostal nerve.
ST 20
Chinese Name: Chengman
English Name:
Location: 5 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Shangwan (CV 13).
Indications: Gastric pain, abdominal distension, vomiting, anorexia.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Burong (ST 19)
ST 21
Chinese Name: Liangmen
English Name:
Location: 4 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Zhongwan (CV 12).
Indications: Gastric pain, vomiting, anorexia, abdominal distension, diarrhea.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the eighth intercostal and superior epigastric arteries and veins.
Innervation: The branch of the eighth intercostal nerve.
ST 22
Chinese Name: Guanmen
English Name:
Location: 3 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Jianli (CV 11).
Indications: Abdominal distension and pain, anorexia, borborygmus, diarrhea, edema.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Liangmen (ST 21)
ST 23
Chinese Name: Taiyi
English Name:
Location: 2 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Xiawan (CV 10).
Indications: Gastric pain, irritability, mania, indigestion.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the eighth and ninth intercostal and inferior epigastric arteries and veins.
Innervation: The branches of the eighth and ninth intercostal nerves.
ST 24
Chinese Name: Huaroumen
English Name:
Location: 1 cun above the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Shuifen (CV 9).
Indications: Gastric pain, vomiting, mania.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy Vasculature: The branches of the ninth intercostal and inferior epigastric arteries and veins.
Innervation: The branch of the ninth intercostal nerve.
ST 25 (Front-Mu Point of the Large Intestine)
Chinese Name: Tianshu
English Name:
Location: 2 cun lateral to the centre of the umbilicus.
Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, borborygmus, pain around the umbilicus, constipation, diarrhea, dysentery, irregular menstruation, edema.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vascuklture: The branches of the tenth intercostal and inferior epigastric arterie and inferior epigastric vein.
Innervation: The branch of the tenth intercostal nerve.
ST 26
Chinese Name: Wailing
English Name:
Location: 1 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Yinjiao (CV 7).
Indications: Abdominal pain, hernia, dysmenorrhea.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Tianshu (ST 25)
ST 27
Chinese Name: Daju
English Name:
Location: 2 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Shimen (CV 5).
Indications: Lower abdominal distension, dysuria, hernia, seminal emission, premature ejaculation.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the eleventh intercostal artery and vein; laterally, the inferior epigastric artery and vein.
Innervation: The eleventh intercostal nerve.
ST 28
Chinese Name: Shuidao
English Name:
Location: 3 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Guanyuan (CV 4).
Indications: Lower abdominal distension, retention of urine, edema, hernia, dysmenorrhea, sterility.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the subcostal artery and subcostal vein; laterally, the inferior epigastric artery and vein.
Innervation: A branch of the subcostal nerve.
ST 29
Chinese Name: Guilai
English Name:
Location: 4 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Zhongji (CV 3).
Indications: Abdominal pain, hernia, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, leucorrhea, prolapse of the uterus.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: Laterally, the inferior epigastric artery and vein.
Innervation: The iliohypogastric nerve.
ST 30
Chinese Name: Qichong
English Name:
Location: 5 cun below the umbilicus, 2 cun lateral to Qugu (CV 2).
Indications: Abdominal pain, borborygmus, hernia, swelling and pain of the external genitalia, impotence, dysmenorrhea, irregular menstruation.
Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the superficial epigastric artery and vein; laterally, the inferior epigastric artery and vein.
Innervation: The pathway of the ilioinguinal nerve.
ST 31
Chinese Name: Diguan
English Name:
Location: On the anterior side of the thigh and on the line connecting the anterosuperior iliac spine and the superiolateral corner of the patella, on the level of the perineum when the thigh is fixed, in the depression lateral to the sartorius muscle.
Indications: Pain in the thigh, muscular atrophy, motor impairment, numbness and pain of the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 1.0-1.5 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy Vasculature: Deeper, the branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and vein.
Innervation: The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.
ST 32
Chinese Name: Futu
English Name:
Location: On the line connecting the anterior superior iliac spine and lateral border of the patella, 6 cun above the laterosuperior border of the patella.
Indications: Pain in the lumbar and iliac region, coldness of the knee, paralysis or motor impairment and pain of the lower extremities, beriberi.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 1.0-1.5 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the lateral circumflex femoral artery and vein.
Innervation: The anterior and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves.
ST 33
Chinese Name: Yinshi
English Name:
Location: When the knee is flexed, the point is 3 cun above the laterosuperior border of the patella, on the line joining the laterosuperior border of the patella and the anterior superior iliac spine.
Indications: Numbness, soreness, motor impairment of the leg and knee, motor impairment of the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery.
Innervation: The anterior and lateral femoral cutaneous nerves.
ST 34 (Xi-Cleft Point)
Chinese Name: Liangqiu
English Name:
Location: When the knee is flexed, the point is 2 cun above the laterosuperior border of the patella.
Indications: Pain and numbness of the knee, gastric pain, mastitis, motor impairment of the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 05-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Yinshi (ST 33)
ST 35
Chinese Name: Dubi
English Name:
Location: When the knee is flexed, the point is at the lower border of the patella, in the depression lateral to the patellar ligament.
Indications: Pain, numbness and motor impairment of the knee, beriberi.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.7-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The arterial and venous network around the knee joint.
Innervation: The lateral sural cutaneous nerve and the articular branch of the common peroneal nerve.
ST 36 (He-Sea Point)
Chinese Name: Zusanli
English Name:
Location: 3 cun below Dubi (ST 35), one finger-breadth (middle finger) from the anterior border of the tibia.
Indications: Gastric pain, vomiting, hiccup, abdominal distension, borborygmus, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, mastitis, enteritis, aching of the knee joint and leg, beriberi, edema, cough, asthma, emaciation due to general deficiency, indigestion, apoplexy, hemiplegia, dizziness, insomnia, mania.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The anterior tibial artery and vein.
Innervation: Superficially, the lateral sural cutaneous nerve and the cutaneous branch of the saphenous nerve; deeper, the deep peroneal nerve.
ST 37 (The Lower He-Sea Point of the Large Intestine)
Chinese Name: Shangjuxu
English Name:
Location: 6 cun below Dubi (ST 35), and one finger breadth (middle finger) from the anterior border of the tibia.
Indications: Abdominal pain and distension, borborygmus, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, enteritis, paralysis due to stroke, beriberi.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.2 inches. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Zusanli (ST 36)
ST 38
Chinese Name: Tiaokou
English Name:
Location: 8 cun below Dubi (ST 35) and on finger breadth (middle finger) from the anterior border of the tibia.
Indications: Numbness, soreness and pain of the knee and leg, weakness and motor impairment of the foot, pain and motor impairment of the shoulder, abdominal pain.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy: See Zusanli (ST 36)
ST 39 (The Lower He-Sea Point of the Small Intestine)
Chinese Name: Xiajuxu
English Name:
Location: 9 cun below (Dubi (ST 35) and one finger breadth (middle finger) from the anterior border of the tibia.
Indications: Lower abdominal pain, backache referring to the testis, mastitis, numbness and paralysis of the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The anterior tibial artery and anterior tibial vein.
Innervation: The branches of the superficial peroneal nerve and the deep peroneal nerve.
ST 40 (Luo-Connecting Point)
Chinese Name: Fenglong
English Name:
Location: 8 cun superior to the tip of the external malleolus, lateral to Tiaokou (ST 38) about two finger-breadth lateral to the anterior border of the tibia.
Indications: Headache, dizziness and vertigo, cough, asthma, excessive sputum, pain in the chest, constipation, mania, epilepsy, muscular atrophy, motor impairment, pain, swelling or paralysis of the lower extremities.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The branches of the anterior tibial artery and vein.
Innervation: The superficial peroneal nerve.
ST 41 (Jing-River Point)
Chinese Name: Jiexi
English Name:
Location: On the dorsum of the foot, at the midpoint of the transverse crease of the ankle joint, in the depression between the tendons of m. extensor digitorum longus and hallucis longus, approximately at the level of the tip of the lateral malleolus.
Indications: Pain of the ankle joint, muscular atrophy, motor impairment, pain and paralysis of the lower extremities, epilepsy, headache, dizziness and vertigo, abdominal distension, constipation.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-0.7 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The anterior tibial artery and vein.
Innervation: The superficial and deep peroneal nerves.
ST 42 (Yuan-Primary Point)
Chinese Name: Chongyang
English Name:
Location: On the dome of the instep of the foot, between the tendons of long extensor muscle of the great toe and long extensor muscle of toes, where the pulsation of the dorsal artery of foot is palpable.
Indications: Pain of the upper teeth, redness and swelling of the dorsum of the foot, facial paralysis, muscular atrophy and motor impairment of the foot.
Acupuncture Method: Avoid puncturing the artery.
Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The dorsal artery and vein of foot, the dorsal venous network of foot.
Innervation: Superficially, the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve of foot derived from the superficial peroneal nerve; deeper, the deep peroneal nerve.
ST 43 (Shu-Stream Point)
Chinese Name: Xiangu
English Name:
Location: In the depression distal to the junction of the second and third metatarsal bones.
Indications: Facial or general edema, abdominal pain, borborygmus, swelling and pain of the dorsum of the foot.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The dorsal venous network of foot.
Innervation: The medial dorsal cu• taneous nerve of foot.
ST 44 (Ying-Spring Point)
Chinese Name: Neiting
English Name:
Location: Proximal to the web margin between the 2nd and 3rd toes, in the depression distal and lateral to the 2nd metatarsodigital joint.
Indications: Toothache, pain in the face, deviation of the mouth, sore throat, epistaxis, gastric pain, acid regurgitation, abdominal distension, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, swelling and pain of the dorsum of the foot, febrile diseases.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.3-0.5 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The dorsal venous network of foot.
Innervation: Just where the lateral branch of the medial dorsal cutaneous nerve divides into dorsal digital nerves.
ST 45 (Jing-Well Point)
Chinese Name: Lidui
English Name:
Location: On the lateral side of the 2nd toe, 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.
Indications: Facial swelling, deviation of the mouth, epistaxis, toothache, sore throat and hoarse voice, abdominal distension, coldness in the leg and foot, febrile diseases, dream-disturbed sleep, mania.
Acupuncture Method: Puncture subcutaneously 0.1 inch. Moxibustion is applicable.
Regional anatomy
Vasculature: The arterial and venous network formed by the dorsal digital artery and vein of foot.
Innervation: The dorsal digital nerve derived from the superficial peroneal nerve.
