ST44 Inner Courtyard

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

ST44 (Neiting, “Inner Courtyard”) is the Ying-Spring Point point of the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression in the web margin between the second and third toes, distal to the metatarsophalangeal joint. It clears heat from the Stomach channel, resolves damp-heat in the intestines, calms the spirit, alleviates pain.

Location

On the dorsum of the foot, in the depression in the web margin between the second and third toes, distal to the metatarsophalangeal joint.

Needling

Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.5-1.0 cun.

TCM functions

Clears heat from the Stomach channel, resolves damp-heat in the intestines, calms the spirit, alleviates pain..

Indications

Coldness of the four limbs, hand and foot reversal cold, lassitude of the four limbs, aversion to people and the sound of wood, frequent yawning and stretching, shivering, throat painful on the outside, febrile disease with absence of sweating, pain in the lower teeth, aversion to cold, tense eyes, panting and fullness, lockjaw, facial deviation, lack of appetite, malaria, pain in the brain and skin, nosebleed, red and white dysentery, abdominal distension, corpse-like syncope, hand and foot stuffiness, pain in the shin, diarrhea, abdominal pain, foot pain, facial deviation with inability to speak, toothache, gum swelling, lockjaw with inability to open the mouth..

Ying-Spring PointWater Point

Clinical notes

As the Ying-Spring (Water) point of the Stomach channel, Neiting is a primary point for clearing heat from the Yangming channel and its associated organ. It is exceptionally effective for acute conditions like toothache, sore throat, facial pain, and fever. Its ability to clear damp-heat also makes it a key point for treating dysentery, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, especially when combined with ST36. The classical emphasis on treating cold limbs with this point highlights its function in resolving internal heat that obstructs the flow of yang qi to the extremities.

On the Stomach channel

ST44 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST44 located?

ST44 (Neiting) is located on the dorsum of the foot, in the depression in the web margin between the second and third toes, distal to the metatarsophalangeal joint.

What is ST44 used for?

ST44 clears heat from the Stomach channel, resolves damp-heat in the intestines, calms the spirit, alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include coldness of the four limbs, hand and foot reversal cold, lassitude of the four limbs, aversion to people and the sound of wood, frequent yawning and stretching, shivering, throat painful on the outside, febrile disease with absence of sweating, pain in the lower teeth, aversion to cold, tense eyes, panting and fullness, lockjaw, facial deviation, lack of appetite, malaria, pain in the brain and skin, nosebleed, red and white dysentery, abdominal distension, corpse-like syncope, hand and foot stuffiness, pain in the shin, diarrhea, abdominal pain, foot pain, facial deviation with inability to speak, toothache, gum swelling, lockjaw with inability to open the mouth.

How is ST44 needled?

Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.5-1.0 cun.

Which meridian is ST44 on?

ST44 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.