Stomach Meridian
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ST-16
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Chest
Location
In the 3nd intercostal space, on the mammillary line, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Regulates Qi
- Opens the chest
- Benefits the breasts
Indications
Commentary
Yingchuang ST-16 is not a major point of the Stomach Channel.
Its main function is to regulate Qi in the chest so as to open the chest. Typical symptoms are coughing, wheezing, and short of breath.
It also benefits the breasts by resolving abscess and lumps there.
Classical Sources
《针灸甲乙经》 (Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng): "膺窗，在屋翳下一寸六分陷者中" - Yingchuang is located 1.6 cun below Wuyi, in the depression.
《针灸大成》 (Zhēnjiǔ Dàchéng): "主胸满短气，唇肿，肠鸣注泄，乳痈寒热，卧不安" - Main indications include chest fullness with shortness of breath, swollen lips, borborygmus with diarrhea, breast abscess with alternating chills and fever, and restless sleep.
How to Locate
First identify the mammillary line by drawing an imaginary line between the clavicular midpoint and nipple. This line is 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Palpate along this line from the top and locate Yingchuang ST-16 in the 3rd intercostal space.
Caution
Risk of pneumothorax with improper needling. The point lies directly over the pleural cavity with the pectoralis major muscle, intercostal muscles, and pleura beneath. Use only oblique or transverse insertion along the intercostal space. Never needle perpendicular or deeply. Avoid in patients with emphysema or thin body habitus where pleural margin is closer to the surface.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–0.8 cun obliquely or transversely, along the course of the intercostal space or with or against the flow of the channel. Caution: pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness spreading across the intercostal space. Sensation may radiate along the chest wall. Due to proximity to the pleural cavity, practitioners should be attentive to patient feedback and avoid overly strong stimulation.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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