ST 35 — Dú Bí (犊鼻) — Calf's Nose

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

ST 35 — Dú Bí (犊鼻) — is an acupuncture point on the Stomach meridian. Its English name, Calf's Nose, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.

I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

In the depression lateral to the patellar ligament, when the knee is flexed at 90°.

3. Actions

1. Primary local point for the lateral aspect of the knee joint
2. Dispels Wind-Cold-Damp Bi syndrome from the knee
3. Reduces swelling and pain in the knee
4. Activates the meridian

4. Indications

1. Knee pain from any cause — one of the most important local points
2. Knee osteoarthritis
3. Patellofemoral pain syndrome
4. Post-surgical knee pain and swelling
5. Knee effusion and water on the knee

5. Needling

Perpendicular or slightly oblique medial insertion 0.8–1.2 cun.

Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.

6. Clinical notes

ST 35 is the lateral 'knee eye' point, forming one half of the Xiyan (Knee Eyes) extra point pair with the medial Neixiyan. These two points flanking the patellar ligament are the most important local prescription for the knee joint. Needling both simultaneously through the patellar ligament into the knee joint is a classical technique for knee arthritis. Combined with ST 36, SP 9, SP 10 and GB 34 for comprehensive knee treatment.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use ST 35 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Knee pain. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.