Xiyan (Xīyǎn, “Xīyǎn”) is an extra (non-channel) acupuncture point. It is located on the knee, in the two depressions medial and lateral to the patellar ligament, found when the knee is flexed. These are a pair of points, one on each side of the patella. It dispels wind-damp, reduces swelling, alleviates pain, and opens the channels and collaterals of the knee.
On the knee, in the two depressions medial and lateral to the patellar ligament, found when the knee is flexed. These are a pair of points, one on each side of the patella.
With the knee flexed, perpendicular insertion 0.5-1.0 cun. Oblique insertion medially and inferiorly into the joint cavity is also common. It is often needled through-and-through from the lateral point (Dubi/ST35) to the medial point.
Dispels wind-damp, reduces swelling, alleviates pain, and opens the channels and collaterals of the knee.
Knee pain, unceasing cold in the knee, knee swelling, leg and knee pain, difficulty walking, leg weakness, foot weakness (beriberi), leprosy, general sores,crane's knee wind, leg and foot heaviness and pain.
Xiyan, comprising the medial and lateral 'eyes' of the knee, is a primary local point for any knee disorder. It is especially effective for pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with arthritis, injury, or wind-damp bi-syndrome. The classical sources show a significant conflict regarding moxibustion; while some forbid it and warn of dire consequences, others explicitly recommend it for conditions like foot weakness and leprosy. This suggests that the appropriateness of moxibustion may depend on the specific diagnosis, with caution advised in cases of acute inflammation or severe swelling.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《針灸逢源》 Zhēnjiǔ Féngyuán — Sources of Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Li Xuechuan, 1815 · 卷四 · 經穴考正 · 經外奇穴考 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
膝眼四穴 在膝頭骨下兩旁陷中（針五分禁灸）治膝冷痛不已According to this text, the four Xiyan points lie in the depressions on both sides below the kneecap; they are needled 0.5 cun, moxibustion is forbidden, and they were used for persistent cold pain of the knee.
《針灸資生經》 Zhēnjiǔ Zīshēng Jīng — Classic of Nourishing Life with Acupuncture & Moxibustion, 1220 · Source: Wikisource ↗
膝眼 四穴．在膝頭骨下兩旁陷中．主膝冷疼不已．針五分．留三呼According to this text, the four Xiyan points lie in the depressions on both sides below the kneecap, were used for persistent cold pain of the knee, and are needled 0.5 cun and retained for 3 breaths.
Xiyan (Xīyǎn) is located on the knee, in the two depressions medial and lateral to the patellar ligament, found when the knee is flexed. These are a pair of points, one on each side of the patella.
Xiyan dispels wind-damp, reduces swelling, alleviates pain, and opens the channels and collaterals of the knee. Common clinical indications include knee pain, unceasing cold in the knee, knee swelling, leg and knee pain, difficulty walking, leg weakness, foot weakness (beriberi), leprosy, general sores,crane's knee wind, leg and foot heaviness and pain.
With the knee flexed, perpendicular insertion 0.5-1.0 cun. Oblique insertion medially and inferiorly into the joint cavity is also common. It is often needled through-and-through from the lateral point (Dubi/ST35) to the medial point. Caution: The Zi Sheng Jing strongly forbids moxibustion, citing a case where a person with severe knee swelling died after receiving moxibustion at this point. This contrasts with other sources that recommend it for specific conditions.