ST-12 - Empty Basin

缺盆 - Quē pén

Point Region: Neck

ST

Stomach Meridian

足阳明胃经 - Zú Yángmíng Wèi Jīng

ST-12 Quepen, meaning 'Empty Basin,' is a powerful point that disperses chest congestion and calms rebellious Qi. Located on the shoulder, it is a key point for addressing a wide range of issues that are caused by stagnant Qi or excess heat in the upper body. Its name, 'Empty Basin,' alludes to its ability to bring a sense of order and harmony to the body's entire system.

Think of Quepen as a point that helps to 'empty the basin' of your chest. It's invaluable for addressing issues like a cough, a feeling of a 'tight' chest, and a restless spirit. By dispersing chest congestion and calming rebellious Qi, it helps to restore a sense of ease and freedom.

By dispersing chest congestion and calming rebellious Qi, ST-12 helps to restore a sense of balance and inner peace. It's a point that reminds us that our true power comes from a calm and unburdened body.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: In the supraclavicular fossa, posterior to the superior border of the clavicle, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, at the midpoint between the clavicle and the trapezius.

How to Locate:

  1. Find the hollow above your collar bone
  2. Move outward from the center toward your shoulder
  3. Find the deepest part of this hollow
  4. The point is in this depression above your collar bone
Location illustration for In the supraclavicular fossa, posterior to the superior border of the clavicle, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, at the midpoint between the clavicle and the trapezius.

Primary Functions

Respiratory System

  • Treats cough and bronchial disorders
  • Relieves chest tightness and congestion
  • Improves lung function and breathing
  • Reduces throat inflammation

Musculoskeletal System

  • Relieves neck and shoulder tension
  • Treats cervical spine disorders
  • Reduces upper body stiffness

Digestive System

  • Harmonizes stomach qi in upper body
  • Treats hiccups and belching
  • Relieves chest discomfort from digestive issues

Circulatory System

  • Improves circulation in neck and chest
  • Reduces swelling in neck region

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Cough
  • Chest tightness
  • Throat inflammation
  • Supraclavicular swelling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Respiratory problems
  • Chest congestion
  • Lymph node swelling

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

N/A

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

ST-12 Protocols

N/A

Important Precautions

  • Recent chest surgery
  • Severe respiratory conditions
  • Lymphatic disorders