Stomach Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
ST-8
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Temporal, Face — Forehead
Location
At the temporal corner of the forehead, on the border of the temporalis muscle. 0.5 cun within the anterior hairline at the corner of the forehead and 4.5 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind
- Relieves pain
- Benefits eyes
Indications
Eye pain
Headaches
Dizziness
Heavy head
Tearfulness
Blurred vision
Eyelids twitching
Muzziness of the head
Commentary
When there is Phlegm or Dampness blocking the head, clear Yang fails to ascend to the head, resulting in symptoms such as dizziness, heavy head and splitting headache as if the head were cracked open.
Touwei ST-8 is a very important local point for treating the above manifestations, but only if they are caused by Dampness or Phlegm.
Furthermore, it also expels Exterior Wind, characterized by headache, excessive tear when exposure to wind, twitching of eyelids, blurred vision and etc.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture, 282 AD): "Chills and fever, headache as if splitting, eye pain as if the eyes are being pulled out, dyspnea with agitation and fullness, vomiting, profuse sweating, difficulty speaking—Touwei masters these."
Yi Zong Jin Jian (Golden Mirror of Medicine): "Touwei and Cuanzhu—these two points primarily treat head wind with pain as if splitting, eye pain as if the eyes are being extracted, with tearing and unclear vision."
Qian Jin Yao Fang (Thousand Ducat Formulas): "Touwei and Daling treat headache as if splitting and eye pain as if being pulled out."
Yu Long Ge (Jade Dragon Song): "When pain between the eyebrows becomes unbearable, needle Cuanzhu threading subcutaneously; if the eyes are dim, this too can be treated—add Touwei and peace will be restored."
How to Locate
Identify the anterior hairline and locate Touwei ST-8 at the temporal corner of the forehead and 0.5 cun within the hairline.
Caution
Classical texts consistently contraindicate moxibustion at this point (《甲乙经》states: "禁不可灸" - forbidden to apply moxa). This prohibition appears in multiple classical sources including Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing. Use only transverse needling technique—perpendicular needling should be avoided. The point lies near the superficial temporal artery and its branches; gentle needling technique is recommended.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5 to 1 cun transversely or obliquely towards the direction of the disorder.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness spreading outward from the point. Sensation may radiate across the forehead or temple area. Some patients experience a pulling sensation around the temporal region.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A - Classical texts contraindicate moxibustion at this point
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians