Sì Fèng (四缝) — Four Cracks
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1. Overview
Sì Fèng (四缝) — literally Four Cracks — is an extra (EX) acupuncture point set consisting of four points on each hand. It is the classical paediatric point in acupuncture for childhood nutritional impairment (Gan disorder), poor appetite and failure to thrive.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use Si Feng as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the midpoint of the transverse creases of the proximal interphalangeal joints of the index, middle, ring and little fingers (palmar side). Four points per hand.
3. Actions
- Resolves childhood nutritional impairment (Gan disorder)
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach
- Resolves food stagnation
- Treats childhood asthma and chronic cough
4. Indications
- Paediatric Gan syndrome — failure to thrive with poor appetite, irritability and emaciation
- Chronic food stagnation in children
- Childhood diarrhoea with undigested food in stool
- Chronic poor appetite and fussy eating
- Pertussis (whooping cough) in children
- Roundworm and intestinal parasites (classical indication)
- Selected presentations of childhood asthma
5. Needling
Prick each of the four points to expel a small amount of clear, yellow or red fluid using a fine three-edged needle or sterile lancet. Repeat once a week for 3–6 treatments. Children tolerate this surprisingly well as the procedure is quick.
6. Clinical notes
Si Feng is a remarkable point set used widely in Chinese paediatric clinics. In modern Western practice it is reserved for selected presentations where the child is otherwise medically investigated and conventional dietetic input has not produced results. Always combined with parental dietary guidance and used alongside (not instead of) conventional paediatric care.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use Si Feng occasionally for paediatric failure to thrive, persistent food refusal and chronic post-viral poor appetite, always alongside the child’s GP and paediatrician. Book a consultation in Wokingham, Berkshire.
