ST 44

Acupuncture Point Theory

ST 44 Acupuncture Point Applications and Theory

The acupuncture point "ST 44" , 内庭, is represented by "Neiting" in pinyin and "Inner Court" in english and may be found:

Proximal to the web margin between the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones, in a depression distal and lateral to the 2nd metatarsodigital joint.


Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Ying Spring Point - Clears heat from the channel and organ - febrile disease with absence of sweating. 
  • Useful for issues of the Face & Jaw along with LI 4 - toothache, facial pain, bell's palsy, stroke, sore throat, eye pain.
  • Damp Heat in the intestines - diarrha, dysentary, distention, abominal pain, constipation, GERD.
  • Interior heat that presents with cold signs - Feel hot but hands/feet are cold or Red tongue w/cold extremities.
  • Local point for pain and/or swelling of the dorsum of the foot.


St 44 has the following theoretical associations which serve as important guideposts in designing an effective treatment protocol:

Explore st 44 functional grouping theory - Five Shu, or read all point categories and related theory.

A single acupuncture point is not commonly thought of as an empirical way to influence a TCM diagnostic pattern. ST44, however, is a strong candidate to be incorporated into an acupuncture protocol for patients who exhibit: Spleen and Stomach Damp Heat, Stomach Fire and/or Stomach Rebellious Qi

ST 44 may potentially be used, in coordination with a well designed acupuncture treatment protocol, to influence the following conditions: Abdominal Pain, Acid Reflux Disease (GERD), Bells Palsy, Constipation, Diarrhea, Eye Problems, Facial Pain, Fever, Sore Throat, Stroke (CVA) and/or Toothache

While not necessarily valid clinically, EX Bafeng (Foot issues - pain, swelling, numbness. Mentioned…), GB 43 (Ying Spring Point - clears heat from the entire c…) and LV 2 ( Generally, clears LV Fire - extreme irritabil…) are nearby.

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