Acupuncture
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ST-7
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Face — Cheek, Face — Jaw, Ear
Location
3 cun proximal to the dorsal wrist joint space and 0.5 cun ulnar to the forearm center.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
- Benefits the ears
Indications
Arm pain
Tinnitus
Deafness
Ear pain
Elbow pain
Finger pain
Muscle pain
Shoulder pain
Finger contraction
Commentary
Like all Accumulation-Xi points, Huizong ST-7 is able to stop pain in acute and Excess patterns. It is mostly used for pain and disorders in arm, shoulder, elbow and fingers by removing Obstructions from the Channel.
On top of that, it benefits the ears as well. Main indications include tinnitus, deafness and ear pain.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot) - Chapter 'Ben Shu': First documented ST-7 as a point of the Foot Yangming Stomach channel.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Xiaguan is a meeting point of Foot Yangming and Foot Shaoyang." It is indicated for mouth deviation, lockjaw, deafness, and ear discharge.
Qianjin Yaofang (Thousand Gold Prescriptions): Lists ST-7 with Daying (ST-5), Yifeng (SJ-17), and Wangu (GB-12) for treating toothache.
Lei Jing Tu Yi (Illustrated Supplement to the Classified Canon): "Treats deviated mouth and eyes, tinnitus, deafness, ear pain and discharge, inability to yawn, and dislocated jaw."
How to Locate
First identify Yangchi TB-4. Move the wrist in a relaxed way so that the joint space is more visible. TB-4 is located laterally to the joint space midpoint, in the depression between the tendons of the extensor digitorum and extensor digiti minimi muscle, which continues to the litter finger. Huizong TB-7 is located 3 cun above Yangchi TB-4 and 0.5 cun ulnar to the forearm center. Zhigou TB-6 is at the same level but 0.5 cun towards the radius.
Caution
This point lies near the maxillary artery and vein, parotid gland, and facial nerve branches. Deep needling beyond 1 inch risks damaging these structures. Do not allow patient to open mouth while needle is retained, as jaw movement may cause needle bending or breakage. Avoid needling if patient has facial infections due to risk of spreading infection via venous connections to the cranial cavity. The point must be located with the mouth closed.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely up to 1.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and soreness spreading through the cheek, jaw, and toward the ear. Deep needling may produce sensation radiating to the teeth or temporomandibular joint area. Patients often feel a heavy, aching sensation in the jaw region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 20–30 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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