Stomach Meridian
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ST-11
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Neck — Anterior
Location
On the upper border of the clavicle, between the tendons of the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Main Actions
- Descends Rebellious Qi
- Benefits the throat and neck
Indications
Commentary
Qishe ST-11 is not a major point of the Stomach Channel. Its main function is to descends Rebellious Qi so as to ease symptoms such as dyspnoea, difficult ingestion or hiccup.
Furthermore, it also benefits the throat and neck.
Classical Sources
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (针灸甲乙经): "Qishe is located on the neck, directly below Renying, beside the depression lateral to Tiantu." This earliest systematic acupuncture text establishes the point's location and its relationship to surrounding structures.
Name Etymology: The name Qishe (气舍) translates as "Qi Abode" or "Qi Residence." 'Qi' refers to breath or vital energy, and 'She' means dwelling or residence. The point is named because it is located beside the trachea (airway), serving as an "outer residence" for the breath Qi.
Classical Indications: Traditional sources indicate this point for swelling and pain of the throat, dyspnea, hiccup, goiter (yingliu), scrofula (luoli), and stiff neck with inability to turn the head.
How to Locate
It is easier to identify the point when the patient's head is turned in the opposite direction. Then rotate the head back to a middle position before needling. Qishe ST-11 is located in a shallow depression, the minor supraclavicular fossa, between the tendons of the sternal and clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Caution
CRITICAL SAFETY POINT: This point lies directly over the supraclavicular region with major vascular and pulmonary structures immediately deep. The common carotid artery, internal jugular vein, and apex of the lung (pleura) are all at risk with improper needling. Deep insertion is strictly contraindicated. Maximum safe depth is 0.3-0.5 cun with perpendicular insertion. Never angle the needle inferiorly toward the chest cavity. From the classical texts: "From Qishe to Rugen (ST-18), major arteries and important organs (lung, liver) lie deep; do not needle deeply." Avoid strong manipulation techniques. If the patient reports sharp pain, breathing difficulty, or unusual sensations, withdraw the needle immediately. Monitor for signs of pneumothorax (sudden chest pain, dyspnea) after treatment.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.3–0.5 cun. Caution: Pneumothorax, jugular veins.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the point. Sensation may radiate to the throat or along the anterior neck. Due to the shallow depth and proximity to sensitive structures, deqi is typically mild and localized. Avoid strong manipulation.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Contraindicated
Gua Sha
Questionable
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