Stomach 1 (ST 1) Cheng Qi — Container of Tears

This point, below the eye, is a principal local point for eye disorders, dispelling wind and clearing heat.

Stomach 1 (ST 1) Cheng Qi 承泣 — Container of Tears

Location

On the face, between the eyeball and the infraorbital ridge, directly below the pupil when the eyes look straight ahead.

Anatomy

Within the orbicularis oculi; the infraorbital and ophthalmic arteries; the infraorbital nerve and the branches of the oculomotor and facial nerves.

Actions & Functions

  • Benefits the eyes and dispels wind
  • Clears heat and stops lacrimation

Indications

Red, painful and watery eyes, blurred vision, night blindness, twitching of the eyelids, and facial paralysis.

Needling

0.3-0.7 cun, perpendicular insertion close to the orbital ridge, pushing the eyeball gently upward; no lifting, thrusting or rotation.

Moxibustion Suitability

Moxibustion is contraindicated (proximity to the eye).

Point Combinations

With BL-2 and GB-20 for eye disorders.

Classical Text References

A meeting point with the Yang Qiao Mai and Ren Mai; the chief local point for the eye.

Cautions & Contraindications

High risk of bruising owing to the orbital vessels; apply firm pressure after withdrawal. Needle slowly without manipulation.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.