Stomach Meridian
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ST-3
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 — Cheek, Face — Nose, Face — Perioral
Location
Directly below Sibai ST-2, at the level of the lower border of ala nasi.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind
Indications
Toothache
Epistaxis
Nose pain
Lips pain
Cheek pain
Tearfulness
Knee swollen
Blocked nose
Nose swelling
Swollen cheek
Lips swelling
Aversion to cold
Facial paralysis
Trigeminal neuralgia
Commentary
Juliao ST-3's main functions are similar to these of Chengqi ST-1 and Sibai ST-2. It is able to treat eye disorders due to Exterior or Interior Wind. Indications includes acute and chronic conjunctivitis, myopia, astigmatism, squint, colour blindness, night blindness, glaucoma, atrophy of the optic nerve, cataract, keratitis and retinitis. It is especially widely used for patients suffered from facial paralysis and trigeminal neuralgia.
On top of the eyes, it is also indicated for nose disorders caused by Wind.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經, A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, c. 282 CE): First documented this point as belonging to the Foot Yangming Stomach channel and identified it as a meeting point of the Stomach, Large Intestine, and Yangqiao channels. Classical indications include facial disorders with aversion to wind-cold, cheek swelling, visual disturbances, and mouth deviation.
Name interpretation: "Ju" (巨) means "great" or "large," referring to the extensive area of influence of the point's Qi. "Liao" (髎) means "bone-hole" or "crevice," indicating the point's location in the depression at the junction of the maxillary and zygomatic bones.
How to Locate
The first four points of the Stomach Channel are located vertically in the central pupil line, when the patients look straight ahead. Juliao ST-3 is located at the crossing point of the pupil line and a horizontal line on the level of the lower border of the ala nasi.
Caution
This point lies in close proximity to the infraorbital foramen, which transmits the infraorbital nerve and blood vessels. Avoid perpendicular deep insertion to prevent nerve damage or vessel puncture. Use oblique or transverse needling only. The facial artery and vein pass nearby—be alert for hematoma formation. On thin or elderly patients, exercise extra caution with depth. Not suitable for cupping or gua sha due to facial bone structure and proximity to delicate tissues.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun or transversely towards Dicang ST-4 or Quanliao SI-18.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness around the cheek area. May radiate toward the nose, upper lip, or teeth. Some patients experience a mild tingling sensation along the infraorbital nerve distribution.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 3–5 minutes (mild warmth with moxa stick)
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Command Point
Commands region:
Face & Mouth
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