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ST-2 Four Whites
四白 〔四白〕 sì bái
Alternate names: 谷门 gǔ mén, Grain Gate
Channel: ST, foot yáng brightness (yáng míng) stomach channel
Modern location: An acupoint located on the face, straight below ST-1, over the small depression formed by the infraorbital foramen.
Classical location: Three fēn below Tear Container (ST-1), in the hollow of the cheekbone, level with the pupil. From
Local anatomy: The branches of the facial artery and vein, the infraorbital artery and vein. The branches of the facial nerve (the point lies exactly on the course of the infraorbital nerve).
Action: Courses wind and quickens the network vessels; soothes the sinews and relieves pain.
Modern indications:
Classical indications: Headache; dizziness;
Needle stimulus: Needling: 0.2‒0.3 cùn perpendicular insertion.
Needle sensation: Localized twinge and distension that sometimes radiates upward.
Warning: Deep insertion contraindicated. Moxa contraindicated.
Point name meaning:
The four white areas of the eye, located above, below and to either side of the iris, are the four whites.
Another interpretation claims that the four whites
are the four white areas (above, below, and to either side) around the mouth. These areas are diagnostic indicators of the body’s earth qì; therefore the point name may be considered as a reminder that this point belongs to the stomach (earth) channel. The alternate name Grain Gate is also a reference to the mouth, which is the gate to the stomach.
A locational association may be seen in its position in an area of white flesh, where it helps the eye see in the four directions. See