Atlas of Acupuncture

4.3 The Stomach Channel System – Foot yangming(zu yang ming jing luo)

Location

With the mouth closed, at the lower border of the zygomatic arch

(➞3.1.2) in the centre of the depression of the mandibular fossa,

between the coronoid process and the condyloid process of the

mandible.

How to find

Palpate along the lower border of the zygomatic arch (➞3.1.2)

towards the ear. ST-7is located in a clearly palpable depression

just before the temporomandibular joint and at the posterior bor-

der of the masseter muscle (clench teeth). To confirm: When the

patient’s mouth is fully opened, the condyloid process of the

lower jaw slides anteriorly and the depression disappears (figure

modified after Deadman et al).

➞G.B.-3is located directly superior to ST-7, on the upper border

of the zygomatic arch.

Needling

Insert the needle with the patient’s mouth closed. 0.3–0.5 cun

vertically or 1–1.5 cun transversely (subcutaneously) in the

direction of ➞ST-6,➞S.I.-19, ➞S.I.-18.

Actions/Indications

● Opens the channel, benefits the jaw and teeth, alleviates pain

● Benefits the ears

Special features

Meeting point with the G.B. channel. Important local point and

frequently used trigger point.

Below the Joint XIAGUAN ST-7

ST-7 in the

mandibular

incisure

Zygomatic

arch

Posterior

border of the

masseter

Styloid

process

Condyloid

process

of the

mandible

Location of ST-7 with

the mouth open*

Mouth

closed

Coronoid

process of

the mandible

G.B.-3

T.B.-21S.I.-19

G.B.-2

G.B.-12

S.I.-17T.B.-16

T.B.-17

ST-7

G.B.-20

ST-5 ST-6

S.I.-18

T.B.-20

Ren-23

G.B.-1Ex-HN-5

G.B.-11 G.B.-19

T.B.-23

Ex-HN

(anmian)

Zygomatic arch

Occipital

bone

Mandibular angle

ST-7

T.B.-23

Articular disc

Head of the

mandible

External

auditory

meatus

Condyloid

process

Ramus of the mandible

Coronoid process

Mandibular

notch

* According to Deadman et al 1998.

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