ST 9

Acupuncture Point Theory

ST 9 Acupuncture Point Applications and Theory

Theory related @forum

The acupuncture point "ST 9" , 人迎, is represented by "Renying" in pinyin and "Man's Prognosis" in english and may be found:

Level with the tip of the Adam's Apple on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoideus muscle (where the pulse of the common cartoid artery is felt).


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

  • In ancient times the ST Qi was assessed by palpating the pulse here and at ST 42.
  • Regulation of Blood Pressure - lowering high blood pressure.
  • Headache, dizziness.
  • Sore throat, counterflow qi (vomiting), coughing, hiccups.
  • Acute lumbar sprain, lower back pain.
  • Window of the Sky Point - restores Qi flow between the body and the head - useful with headache, chest tightness, asthma.
  • Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Used to effect the common carotid artery. With acupuncture and tuina we often use LI 18 instead as it is safer, for Tong Ren and light tuina, however, it is fine to use. 
  • Falls into the category of Window of the Sky points within the Tam Healing system.

ST 9 has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).

Avoid Artery (AA)
Avoid Moxa (MX)
No Deep Needling (NDN)


St 9 has the following theoretical associations which serve as important guideposts in designing an effective treatment protocol:

Explore st 9 functional groupings theory - Four Seas and/or Sky Window, 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. ST9, however, is a strong candidate to be incorporated into an acupuncture protocol for patients who exhibit: Liver Qi Stagnation and/or Stomach Rebellious Qi

ST 9 may potentially be used, in coordination with a well designed acupuncture treatment protocol, to influence the following conditions: Asthma, Back Pain, Cough, Dizziness (Vertigo), Headache, Hiccups, Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), Sore Throat and/or Vomiting

While not necessarily valid clinically, EX Huatuojiaji at C4 (C4 innervates the areas of the mouth, jaw and chi…), EX Tian Dong (Note:  This point is not a standard acupuncture p…), LI 17 (Sore throat, loss of voice, sensation of somethin…), LI 18 (Window of the Sky Point for sudden loss of voice …) and SI 16 (Both SI 16 & SI 17 are Window of the Sky Poin…) are nearby.

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