ST9 Man's Welcome

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

ST9 (Renying, “Man's Welcome”) is the Window of Heaven point of the Stomach Meridian. It is located on the neck, level with the tip of the laryngeal prominence, in the depression on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, where the pulsation of the common carotid artery is palpable, 1.5 cun lateral to the laryngeal prominence. It regulates Qi and Blood, benefits the throat and neck, clears Lung heat, calms wheezing.

Location

On the neck, level with the tip of the laryngeal prominence, in the depression on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, where the pulsation of the common carotid artery is palpable, 1.5 cun lateral to the laryngeal prominence.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun, avoiding the carotid artery by displacing it medially with the fingers of the palpating hand. The needle is inserted between the artery and the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

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TCM functions

Regulates Qi and Blood, benefits the throat and neck, clears Lung heat, calms wheezing..

Indications

swelling and pain of the throat, scrofula, goiter, asthma, wheezing, hiccups, chest fullness, dizziness, flushed face, headache, toothache, vomiting, sudden turmoil disorder, hypertension.

Window of Heaven

Clinical notes

Renying is a crucial point for both diagnosis and treatment, traditionally used to compare its pulse with the Cunkou pulse to assess the balance of Yin and Yang. Clinically, it is a primary point for disorders of the throat and neck, such as goiter, scrofula, and sore throat, due to its ability to regulate local qi and blood. As a Window of Heaven point, it also addresses imbalances between the head and body, treating conditions like dizziness, flushed face, and hypertension.

On the Stomach channel

ST9 is one of 45 points on the Stomach Meridian. Nearby points:

ST5ST6ST7ST8ST10ST11ST12ST13

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST9 located?

ST9 (Renying) is located on the neck, level with the tip of the laryngeal prominence, in the depression on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, where the pulsation of the common carotid artery is palpable, 1.5 cun lateral to the laryngeal prominence.

What is ST9 used for?

ST9 regulates Qi and Blood, benefits the throat and neck, clears Lung heat, calms wheezing. Common clinical indications include swelling and pain of the throat, scrofula, goiter, asthma, wheezing, hiccups, chest fullness, dizziness, flushed face, headache, toothache, vomiting, sudden turmoil disorder, hypertension.

How is ST9 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun, avoiding the carotid artery by displacing it medially with the fingers of the palpating hand. The needle is inserted between the artery and the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Caution: Adjacent to the karotis arteri — palpate and avoid the vessel; do not needle into a pulsating artery. Moxibustion is contraindicated; it is said to cause facial swelling and closure of the eyes. Needling must avoid the common carotid artery.

Which meridian is ST9 on?

ST9 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.