ST12 Empty Basin

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

ST12 (Quēpén, “Empty Basin”) is the Window of the Sky point of the Stomach Meridian. It is located in the prominent depression located directly superior to the midpoint of the clavicle (supraclavicular fossa), 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline. It descends Lung Qi, unbinds the chest, activates the channel and alleviates pain.

Location

In the prominent depression located directly superior to the midpoint of the clavicle (supraclavicular fossa), 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Needling

Perpendicular or oblique posterior insertion 0.3-0.5 cun. Deep insertion, especially medially or posteriorly, carries a substantial risk of puncturing the subclavian vessels or the apex of the lung, which can cause a pneumothorax.

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TCM functions

Descends Lung Qi, unbinds the chest, activates the channel and alleviates pain..

Indications

Pain in the supraclavicular fossa, swelling in the supraclavicular fossa, cough, shortness of breath, rebellious Qi, asthma, throat impediment, sweating, chills and fever, fullness and heat in the chest, scrofula, abdominal distention with water qi, arm pain, inability to raise the arm, neck and nape rigidity, axillary swelling, malaria..

Window of the Sky

Clinical notes

Quepen is a crucial point where the Qi of the chest and arm converges, making it effective for both local issues like clavicular pain and radiating arm pain, and for internal conditions of the chest such as cough and asthma. Its location serves as a gateway where all yang channels of the hand and foot (except the Bladder channel) enter the torso. Due to the risk of pneumothorax, needling is performed with extreme caution, and often this point is palpated for diagnosis or treated with gentle techniques rather than deep insertion.

On the Stomach channel

ST12 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

ST8ST9ST10ST11ST13ST14ST15ST16

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST12 located?

ST12 (Quēpén) is located in the prominent depression located directly superior to the midpoint of the clavicle (supraclavicular fossa), 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline.

What is ST12 used for?

ST12 descends Lung Qi, unbinds the chest, activates the channel and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include pain in the supraclavicular fossa, swelling in the supraclavicular fossa, cough, shortness of breath, rebellious Qi, asthma, throat impediment, sweating, chills and fever, fullness and heat in the chest, scrofula, abdominal distention with water qi, arm pain, inability to raise the arm, neck and nape rigidity, axillary swelling, malaria.

How is ST12 needled?

Perpendicular or oblique posterior insertion 0.3-0.5 cun. Deep insertion, especially medially or posteriorly, carries a substantial risk of puncturing the subclavian vessels or the apex of the lung, which can cause a pneumothorax. Caution: Overlies the thoracic cavity — risk of PNEUMOTHORAX. Needle obliquely or transversely, never deeply or perpendicularly toward the chest wall. The classics explicitly warn against needling too deeply, as it can cause 'rebellious breath' (逆息), which is interpreted as shortness of breath or dyspnea. The Huangdi Neijing warns that needling into the depression of Quepen can cause Qi to leak, resulting in rebellious cough and asthma.

Which meridian is ST12 on?

ST12 is a point on the Stomach Meridian (Zú Yángmíng Wèijīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.