ST 9 — Rén Yíng (人迎) — Man’s Welcome
ST 9 (Ren Ying, “Man’s Welcome”) is one of the most anatomically delicate points in acupuncture — located directly over the carotid artery pulse. Classically the diagnostic location for assessing Yang Ming pulse, it is now used clinically for hypertension, thyroid disorders and throat conditions.
On this page
1. About ST 9 (Ren Ying)
ST 9 — Rén Yíng — is on the Stomach meridian, level with the laryngeal prominence (Adam’s apple). In classical pulse diagnosis the “Ren Ying” pulse here was compared with the radial pulse to assess the relative state of Yang and Yin channels.
2. ST 9 location
Level with the tip of the laryngeal prominence, on the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, just lateral to the carotid pulse.
3. Actions
- Regulates Qi and Blood, particularly in the neck
- Calms wheezing
- Benefits the throat
- Lowers Liver Yang
4. Indications
- Hypertension — especially with Liver Yang rising
- Goitre and thyroid nodules
- Hyperthyroidism (specialist use, adjunctive)
- Sore throat with swelling
- Asthma and wheezing with chest tightness
- Plum-pit Qi (somatic throat sensation)
5. Needling
One of the highest-risk points in acupuncture — directly over the carotid artery, carotid sinus and recurrent laryngeal nerve. Use only by experienced practitioners. The carotid pulse must be palpated and the needle inserted lateral to it. Perpendicular insertion 0.3–0.5 cun avoiding the artery. Avoid in patients with carotid atherosclerosis, baroreceptor hypersensitivity or anticoagulants.
6. Clinical notes
ST 9 is rarely used in modern Western acupuncture practice precisely because of the anatomical risks. When used, it can be effective for hypertension and thyroid pathology, but in most cases safer distal alternatives are preferred (LV 3, KD 3, LI 4 for hypertension; ST 40 and PC 6 for plum-pit Qi).
7. Treatment at my clinic
I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Return to the acupuncture points directory.
