Stomach Meridian
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ST-5
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Face — Jaw
Location
On the lateral mandible, on the anterior border of masseter muscle, in the groove-like depression appearing when the cheek is bulged.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind
Indications
Mumps
Tetany
Lockjaw
Aphasia
Eye pain
Scrofula
Toothache
Neck pain
Swollen cheek
Mouth deviation
Frequent yawning
Tongue stiffness
Aversion to cold
Swelling of the face
Alternating fever and chills
Commentary
Daying ST-5 is not major point of the Stomach Channel. Its main action is to expel Wind and reduce swelling of the face and the neck.
Classical Sources
《針灸甲乙經》(Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion):
"在曲頷前一寸三分，骨陷者中動脈" (Located 1.3 cun anterior to the angle of the jaw, in the bone depression where the artery pulsates)
《針方六集》(Zhen Fang Liu Ji):
"大迎二穴，主風痙喑啞，唇吻瞤動，牙疼頰腫不可以嚼，舌強難言，風壅面浮頸痛，瘰癧寒熱，目痛不能閉" (The two Daying points govern wind spasm with muteness, twitching of the lips, toothache with cheek swelling that prevents chewing, tongue stiffness with difficulty speaking, wind congestion with facial edema and neck pain, scrofula with alternating chills and fever, and eye pain with inability to close the eyes)
《靈樞·寒熱病》(Ling Shu - Cold and Heat Diseases):
According to Ma Shi's commentary, this point is where the Foot Yangming Stomach channel meets with the Hand Yangming Large Intestine channel, making it a crossing point of both channels.
How to Locate
Clench the teeth so that the anterior border of the masseter muscle becomes clearly palpable. Daying ST-5 is located directly anterior to the border of the muscle, in a shallow depression on the mandible and slightly above the jaw. The facial artery can be palpated here.
Caution
The facial artery and vein pass directly through this point location. Always palpate to identify the vessel before needling and position the needle to avoid the artery. Vigorous manipulation is contraindicated to prevent damage to the facial vessels and nerve branches. Avoid deep or perpendicular insertion. If bleeding occurs after needle removal, apply firm pressure for several minutes.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–0.5 cun obliquely or transversely in the direction of Jiache ST-6. Caution: Facial artery/vein.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the jaw area, often with a sensation radiating toward the teeth, lips, or cheek. Due to the proximity of the facial artery, some patients may feel pulsation near the needle. Mild electrical or tingling sensation may occur if the facial nerve branches are stimulated.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Questionable
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