Stomach Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
ST-2
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.2-0.4 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Face — Periorbital, Face — Cheek
Location
Below Chengqi ST-1, in the depression at the infraorbital foramen.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind
- Clears Heat
Indications
Myopia
Squint
Eye pain
Red eyes
Glaucoma
Cataract
Keratitis
Retinitis
Eye itching
Tearfulness
Astigmatism
Eye deviation
Blurred vision
Conjunctivitis
Mouth deviation
Color blindness
Night blindness
Eyelids twitching
Allergic rhinitis
Optic nerve atrophy
Bile duct roundworms
Trigeminal neuralgia
Commentary
Similar to Chengqi ST-1, Sibai ST-2 is also mainly used for eye disorders due to Exterior or Interior Wind as well as Heat. Indications includes acute and chronic conjunctivitis, myopia, astigmatism, squint, colour blindness, night blindness, glaucoma, atrophy of the optic nerve, cataract, keratitis and retinitis.
As it expels Wind, it is able to treat trigeminal neuralgia, allergic rhinitis, facial paralysis or deviation of eye and mouth.
Finally, it is used empirically to treat biliary ascariasis as well.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Records that Sibai treats "eye pain, deviation of the mouth, and unclear vision" (目痛，口僻，戾目不明).
《铜人腧穴针灸图经》Tóngrén Shùxué Zhēnjiǔ Tújīng (Illustrated Manual of Acupuncture Points on the Bronze Figure): Documents the location as directly below the pupil at the infraorbital foramen, with indications for eye diseases and facial conditions.
《经穴解》Jīngxué Jiě (Explanation of Channel Points): Explains the name: "The point is one cun below the eye, directly below the pupil... all four directions are white with this point in the center, hence called Sibai (Four Whites)."
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. The infraorbital ridge is an obvious bony structure under the lower eyelid. Sibai ST-2 is located in a depression inferior to the midpoint of the infraorbital ridge, at the infraorbital foramen.
Caution
This point lies directly over the infraorbital foramen where the infraorbital nerve and vessels emerge. Deep needling risks injury to the eyeball above, and penetration into the infraorbital canal can damage the infraorbital artery and vein, causing bleeding. Use fine needles (30-32 gauge), insert slowly without lifting-thrusting manipulation, and withdraw gradually in stages. Avoid in patients with bleeding disorders. After needle removal, apply pressure with dry cotton to prevent periorbital bruising. Do not needle in an upward cranial direction.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.2-0.4 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–0.5 cun vertically or transversely towards Quanliao SI-18. In case of facial paralysis, towards Yingxiang LI-20. Caution: Infraorbital nerve, eye injury. According to some classic texts, moxibustion is contraindicated. Deep needling in an oblique cranial direction is contraindicated.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and soreness around the infraorbital area. When needling obliquely into the infraorbital foramen for conditions like trigeminal neuralgia, a numb or electric sensation may radiate to the upper lip and cheek area. The sensation should not extend toward the eye.
Moxibustion
Questionable
Duration: 5-10 minutes with caution; some classical sources contraindicate moxa
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Questionable
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians