Stomach Meridian
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ST-44
Water-Shui
Spring-Ying Point
Ma Dan Yang Heavenly Star
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Foot — Dorsum, Toes
Location
Between the 2nd and the 3rd toes, proximal to the interdigital fold.
Main Actions
- Clears Heat from the Stomach Channel and eases pain
- Regulates the Intestines and resolves Damp-Heat
- Expels Wind from the face
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Commentary
Neiting ST-44 is a very important point with various functions.
Its most important action is to clear Heat from the Stomach Channel. characterized by fever, feeling of heat and thirst, jaw pain. It expels Exterior-Heat at the Bright Yang Stage of the Six Stage Theory or the Qi Level of the Four Levels Theory.
Furthermore, it regulates the Intestines and resolves Damp-Heat. Typical manifestations include abdominal distension and pain, borborygmi, diarrhoea, blood in stools and constipation.
It is also able to expels Wind from the face, with symptoms such as eye pain, toothache, face pain as well as deviation of eye and mouth.
Finally, it calms the Mind by opening the Mind's orifices. The patients tend to dislike the sound of people talking and prefer silence.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): Describes Neiting as the Ying-Spring point of the Stomach channel where "qi flows from the well point and gathers at the spring point" (脉气由井穴出发，流于内庭穴).
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): Lists indications including toothache, throat obstruction, nosebleed, abdominal distension, and heat in the body with cold extremities.
Ma Dan-yang's Heavenly Star Points: ST-44 is one of the twelve Heavenly Star points, valued for treating "toothache from Stomach Fire, facial swelling, and heat disorders of the Yangming channel."
How to Locate
Locate Neiting ST-44 just proximal to the interdigital fold between the 2nd and the 3rd toes.
Caution
Located between the toes where skin is thin and sensitive. Avoid aggressive manipulation. As a strongly heat-clearing point, use with caution in patients with cold constitutions or deficiency conditions. Pregnancy caution advised for strong stimulation. Ensure proper hygiene due to proximity to interdigital space.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun vertically or obliquely in a proximal direction
Expected Deqi Sensation
Localized distending or aching sensation between the toes, which may radiate along the dorsum of the foot toward the ankle. Some patients experience a mild electrical or tingling sensation. The deqi is typically moderate in intensity.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Questionable
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Water-Shui
Transporting Type
Spring-Ying Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
Special Point Classifications
Ma Dan Yang Heavenly Star
Command Point
Commands region:
Face & Mouth
Related Resources
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