ST4 Dicang

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

ST4 (Dicang, “Dicang”) is the Meeting point of LI, GB, Ren point of the Stomach Meridian. Located 0.4 cun lateral to the corner of the mouth (the oral commissure), directly below the pupil when the eyes are looking straight ahead. Some classics note a slight pulsation may be felt nearby. It expels wind from the face, activates the channel, alleviates pain, and corrects deviation of the mouth and eyes.

Location

Located 0.4 cun lateral to the corner of the mouth (the oral commissure), directly below the pupil when the eyes are looking straight ahead. Some classics note a slight pulsation may be felt nearby.

Needling

Transverse-oblique insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun, directed towards ST6 (Jiache) for facial paralysis, or towards the opposite ST4 for perioral issues.

TCM functions

Expels wind from the face, activates the channel, alleviates pain, and corrects deviation of the mouth and eyes..

Indications

Facial paralysis, deviation of the mouth and eye, inability to close the eye, twitching of the eyelid, drooling, difficulty speaking, loss of voice, foot weakness, inability to walk, foot swelling, itching of the pupil, far-sightedness, inability to see at night, inability to eat or drink without leakage, toothache, facial swelling, trigeminal neuralgia..

Meeting point of LI, GB, Ren

Clinical notes

Dicang is a primary local point for treating facial paralysis, Bell's palsy, and post-stroke sequelae affecting the mouth. Its classical indication for contralateral needling (needling the healthy side) is a key strategy. It is also effective for related symptoms like drooling, difficulty speaking, and trigeminal neuralgia. Combining it with distal points on the Yangming channels, such as LI4 and ST36, enhances its wind-expelling and channel-unblocking effects.

On the Stomach channel

ST4 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST4 located?

Located 0.4 cun lateral to the corner of the mouth (the oral commissure), directly below the pupil when the eyes are looking straight ahead. Some classics note a slight pulsation may be felt nearby.

What is ST4 used for?

ST4 expels wind from the face, activates the channel, alleviates pain, and corrects deviation of the mouth and eyes. Common clinical indications include facial paralysis, deviation of the mouth and eye, inability to close the eye, twitching of the eyelid, drooling, difficulty speaking, loss of voice, foot weakness, inability to walk, foot swelling, itching of the pupil, far-sightedness, inability to see at night, inability to eat or drink without leakage, toothache, facial swelling, trigeminal neuralgia.

How is ST4 needled?

Transverse-oblique insertion, 1.0 to 1.5 cun, directed towards ST6 (Jiache) for facial paralysis, or towards the opposite ST4 for perioral issues.

Which meridian is ST4 on?

ST4 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.