Neiting Acupuncture Point: The Complete Guide to ST 44 Indications, Actions, and Research (2024)
ST 44 Location © 2024 by HOPE is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
ST 44 Infographic © 2024 by HOPE is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
ST 44 Location
Classification: Ying-Spring point of the Stomach Meridian
The ST 44 acupuncture point, also known as Neiting, is part of the Stomach meridian in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is located on the dorsal side of the foot, between the second and third toes, just proximal to the web margin.
To locate ST 44 accurately:
Sit comfortably and place your foot on your opposite knee.
Identify the gap between the second and third toes.
Move your fingers up to the web margin.
Press into the depression just proximal to this margin.
Further Notes: Ying-Spring points are acupuncture points where the qi flows down the meridian. They are used to treat heat in the body and changes in skin color.
How to Apply Acupuncture at ST 44
The insertion angle should be perpendicular to the skin, and the depth typically ranges from 0.5 to 0.8 cun.
Indications for Using ST 44
Digestive Disorders: ST 44 is effective in alleviating symptoms of digestive issues such as gastritis, acid reflux, and indigestion. It helps regulate stomach qi and improve digestive function.
Headaches and Toothaches: This point is beneficial for treating frontal headaches and toothaches, particularly those related to the Stomach meridian. It helps reduce pain and inflammation.
Throat Disorders: ST 44 is used to relieve sore throats, tonsillitis, and other throat infections. Its cooling properties help reduce swelling and pain.
Febrile Diseases: It is effective in treating febrile diseases, helping to clear heat and reduce fever. This makes it useful in conditions involving high temperatures and inflammation.
Pain and Swelling in the Feet: Given its location on the foot, ST 44 is frequently used to treat pain, swelling, and inflammation in the feet, including conditions like plantar fasciitis and arthritis.
Eye Conditions: This point is beneficial for various eye conditions, including redness, swelling, and pain in the eyes. It helps clear heat and improve vision.
Mental and Emotional Issues: ST 44 is known to help with mental and emotional issues such as anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It promotes a calming effect on the mind.
Actions of ST 44
Clears Heat from the Stomach Channel: ST 44 is highly effective at clearing heat from the Stomach channel. This action helps alleviate symptoms like fever, sore throat, and toothache. It is particularly useful in treating febrile diseases and infections.
Regulates the Intestines: By stimulating ST 44, practitioners can help regulate intestinal function. This action is beneficial for treating digestive disorders such as diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain.
Harmonizes the Stomach and Spleen: This point helps harmonize the functions of the stomach and spleen, promoting better digestion and absorption of nutrients. It is effective in managing conditions like gastritis, acid reflux, and indigestion.
Alleviates Pain: ST 44 is known for its analgesic properties. It helps reduce pain and inflammation in various parts of the body, including headaches, toothaches, and foot pain. Its ability to clear heat and move qi makes it effective in pain management.
Calms the Spirit: ST 44 has a calming effect on the mind, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, and emotional disturbances. This action makes it useful for treating insomnia and other mental health issues.
Improves Vision: By clearing heat and reducing inflammation, ST 44 can help improve vision and alleviate eye conditions such as redness, swelling, and pain.
Reduces Swelling: The point is effective in reducing swelling and inflammation in the body. This makes it useful for conditions like arthritis, plantar fasciitis, and other inflammatory disorders.
Research on GB 41
Endodontic Pain Management: Research on acupuncture for managing endodontic emergencies indicates that ST 44, along with other points like LI 4 and CV 23, is effective in reducing dental pain. These studies highlight the potential of acupuncture as an alternative therapy for dental issues, particularly in pain relief during root canal treatments and other endodontic procedures (AcuMeridian Studies).
Obesity Treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis on acupuncture's effectiveness for treating simple obesity in animal models found that electroacupuncture at ST 44 (Neiting) can suppress appetite and stave off hunger by stimulating beta-receptors. This point is particularly effective in clearing damp heat from the stomach and intestines, making it a valuable addition to obesity management protocols (Hindawi).
Therapeutic Mechanisms: The review discusses how acupuncture at points like ST 44 helps regulate gastrointestinal function, improve motility, and manage conditions like acid regurgitation, abdominal distension, and constipation. The study underscores ST 44's role in promoting overall digestive health and its therapeutic potential in various gastrointestinal disorders (Hindawi)
ST 44 in Different Languages
Chinese (Simplified): 内庭 (Nèitíng)
Chinese (Traditional): 內庭 (Nèitíng)
Pinyin: Nèi tíng
English: Inner Court
Korean: 내정 (Nae jeong)
Vietnamese: Nội đình (Nội đình)
Further Resources
For more information, visit our service pages on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Dry Needling. Read our testimonials to learn about others' experiences with acupuncture. If you want to learn more about stomach meridians, please visit our recent post on ST 36!
Anyways, want to experience the benefits of ST 44 for yourself? Visit our clinic in San Jose, CA! Contact us today to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a more balanced you.
