ST 44 — Nèi Tíng (内庭) — Inner Courtyard
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1. Overview
ST 44 — Nèi Tíng (内庭) — is an acupuncture point on the Stomach meridian. Its English name, Inner Courtyard, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of 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. I use ST 44 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
Proximal to the web margin between the 2nd and 3rd toes, in the depression distal and lateral to the 2nd metatarsophalangeal joint.
3. Actions
- Clears Stomach Fire and Heat
- Harmonises the Intestines
- Calms the Mind
4. Indications
- Toothache and dental pain from Stomach Fire
- Sore throat and swollen gums
- Nosebleed (epistaxis) from Heat in the Stomach meridian
- Frontal headache from Stomach Fire
- Gastric pain, acid reflux and peptic ulcer from Heat in the Stomach
- Diarrhoea from Damp-Heat
- Foot and toe pain
5. Needling
Perpendicular or oblique insertion 0.3–0.5 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
ST 44 is the Ying-Spring and Water point of the Stomach meridian. Ying-Spring points are used to clear Heat from the channel, making ST 44 the primary point for Stomach Fire. Its use for dental pain, frontal headache and nosebleed all reflect the pathway of the Stomach meridian through these areas. It is regularly used in the treatment of acne and skin conditions involving Stomach Heat.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use ST 44 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Acne, Headaches, Digestive disorders. 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.
