Atlas of Acupuncture

4 Acupuncture Points of the Twelve Primary Channels

Location

With the eyes looking straight ahead, directly below the centre

of the pupil, in the depression at the infraorbital foramen.

How to find

With the patient looking straight ahead, the first four points of

the ST channel are located on a vertical line drawn through the

centre of the pupil. Within the area of the lower eyelid, the infra-

orbital ridge presents itself as a distinct bony structure. Starting

at the infraorbital ridge (➞3.1.2), palpate inferiorly until you

can feel the depression of the infraorbital foramen (this is often

located slightly medial to the pupil line), where ST-2is located.

Needling

0.3–0.5 cun vertically or transversely (subcutaneously) towards

➞S.I.-18or ➞L.I.-20(for example, in cases of facial paraly-

sis). Deep needling (in an oblique cranial direction) is contra-

indicated. Caution: Infraorbital nerve, eye injury. According to

some classic texts, moxibustion is contraindicated.

Actions/Indications

● Benefits the eyes, clears Heat, eliminates Wind

Special features

Important local point for disorders of the eyes, pain and paraly-

sis of the face; meeting point with the yang qiao maiaccording

to some authors. A less risky substitute for ➞ST-1.

ST-2 Four Whites SIBAI

ST-2

Pupil line

Infraorbital

foramen

Infraorbital

margin

Zygomatic

bone

Orbit

ST-2

Infraorbital

foramen

Maxilla

(upper jaw)

S.I.-18

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