Stomach Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
ST-9
Window of Heaven
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Neck — Anterior, Neck — Lateral
Location
Level with the tip of Adam's apple, 1.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline, on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Main Actions
- Ascends and descends Qi to and from the head
- Dissipates nodules
Indications
Commentary
Renying ST-9 is an important point.
Like other Window of Heaven points, it is able to ascend and descend Qi to and from the Head. It is particularly widely used when there are Qi Excess on the top part of the body, by subduing the Rebellious Qi.
It is also the Sea of Qi point. By definition, it tonifies Qi. However, in practice, Renying ST-9 is more used to regulate Qi and restore Qi balance between different parts of the Body (eg: Qi Excess in upper part of the body and Qi Deficiency in lower part).
Finally, it dissipates nodules in the neck area. Typical symptoms includes adenitis, nodules on the vocal cords or thyroid swelling.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): Lists ST-9 among the five Window of Heaven points: "Headache due to rebellion of Yang, fullness of the chest with difficulty in breathing, choose Renying ST-9."
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (针灸甲乙经): "Prohibited to use moxibustion; if needled four fen deep and inserted too deeply, it can unfortunately kill a person."
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (针灸大成): "According to Tong Ren, needling is prohibited. According to Ming Tang, needle four fen. According to Su Wen annotation, if needled too deeply, it kills."
Huang Di Nei Jing Tai Su (annotation by Yang Shangshan): "Located beside the laryngeal prominence, the Foot Yangming channel receives the Qi of the five Zang and six Fu organs to nourish the person, hence the name 'Man's Welcome.'"
How to Locate
It is easier to identify the point when the patient's head is turned in the opposite direction. From the Adam's apple, palpate posteriorly and locate Renying ST-9 at the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Tianchuang SI-16 is at the lateral border of the muscle.
Caution
EXTREMELY DANGEROUS POINT requiring expert technique. The carotid artery lies directly beneath this point. Before needling, palpate and manually hold the artery laterally using index finger and thumb above and below the insertion site. Insert the needle anterior to the arterial pulsation, between the artery and thyroid cartilage. Never needle too deeply (maximum 0.5 cun recommended, 1 cun absolute limit). Stimulation of the carotid sinus can cause sudden drop in blood pressure, bradycardia, fainting, or cardiac arrest. Vagus nerve irritation may cause palpitations, chest tightness, and pallor. Do not retain needles. Avoid in patients with carotid artery disease, severe cardiovascular conditions, or those prone to syncope. Patient should be supine, never seated.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun between the artery and the thyroid cartilage. Caution: Carotid artery, carotid sinus, jugular veins. The carotid artery is located directly at the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The needle should be inserted anterior to where you can feel the pulsating of the carotid artery. The artery should be held in a lateral position with one finger of the palpating hand above and one finger below the insertion site. Irritation of the carotid sinus can lead to a lowering of the blood pressure and fainting!
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness around the throat area. Needle sensation may radiate to the shoulder or down to the chest. Patients may feel pulsation near the point. Avoid any sharp or radiating pain toward the heart, which would indicate proximity to the vagus nerve.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A - Moxibustion contraindicated
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Contraindicated
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Special Point Classifications
Window of Heaven
Four Seas Classification
Sea Type:
Sea of Qi
Position:
Upper Point
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians