Atlas of Acupuncture

3.6 Lower Extremity

3.6.1 Knee Region

For locating and needling points in the knee region, the patient

should be in a relaxed supine position, with the knees slightly

flexed and supported by pillows. This opens up the knee joint

and allows for better palpation of the eyes of the knees. A prone

position with a support below the feet and ankles is recom-

mended for treating points in the popliteal crease.

Patella (
Figs 3.100, 3.101)

The upper patellar border marks the location of 
SP-10as well

as of 
ST-32to ST-34.

Eyes of the knee (
Figs 3.100, 3.101)

The eyes of the knee are formed by the depressions on either side

of the patellar tendon at the level of the lower patellar border. The

lateral eye corresponds to the location of 
ST-35, the medial eye

is the location of the extra point 
Ex-LE-4(neixiyan).

Head of the fibula (
Figs 3.100, 3.101)

The head of the fibula forms a further important reference point

inferior to the lateral aspect of the knee joint. For locating


G.B.-34, find the head of the fibula (approximately where the

seam of a pair of trousers would be) and hold it with two fingers.

By sliding downward, the anterior finger will ‘drop’ into the

depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula, which

marks the location of 
G.B.-34.

Vastus

lateralis

Head of the

fibula

Vastus

medialis

Medial condyle

of the femur

Patellar

ligament

Patella

‘Eye of

the knee’

‘Eye of

the knee’

ST-34

SP-9

G.B.-34

ST-35

Ex-LE-4

(neixiyan)

Patellar tendon

'Eyes of

the knee'

Head of the

fibula Medial condyle

of the tibia

Fig. 3.101

Fig. 3.100

ST- 32

ST-33

Upper patellar

border

3 cun

3 cun

6 cun

ST-33

Upper patellar

border

3 cun

6 cun

Fig. 3.102

2 cun

2 cun

SP-10