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Dicang (ST-4), “Earth Granary”, at the corner of the mouth, is a principal local point for facial paralysis and disorders of the mouth.
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.