Stomach 4 (ST 4) Di Cang — Earth Granary

This point, at the corner of the mouth, is a principal local point for facial paralysis and disorders of the mouth.

Stomach 4 (ST 4) Di Cang 地倉 — Earth Granary

Location

On the face, 0.4 cun lateral to the corner of the mouth, directly below the pupil.

Anatomy

In orbicularis oris and buccinator; the facial artery and vein; the facial and infraorbital nerves and the buccal branch of the mandibular nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Dispels wind and benefits the face and mouth
  • Activates the channel and stops pain and twitching

Indications

Facial paralysis, deviation of the mouth, drooling, twitching of the eyelid, and toothache.

Needling

0.3-0.5 cun, transverse insertion towards ST-6 (Jiache) for facial paralysis.

Moxibustion Suitability

Moxibustion is generally not used on the face.

Point Combinations

Joined with ST-6 (threaded) and LI-4 for facial paralysis.

Classical Text References

A meeting point with the Yang Qiao Mai, Large Intestine channel and Ren Mai; the chief local point for the mouth.

Cautions & Contraindications

Avoid the facial artery.

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.