ST-4 - Earth Granary

地仓 - Dì cāng

Point Region: Face

ST

Stomach Meridian

足阳明胃经 - Zú Yángmíng Wèi Jīng

ST-4 Dicang, meaning 'Earth Granary,' is a key point for anchoring the mouth and harmonizing facial muscles. Located on the face, it is a master point for addressing a wide range of issues that are caused by 'wind' or stagnation in the face. Its name, 'Earth Granary,' alludes to its ability to bring a sense of order and harmony to the face, as a granary stores the earth's bounty.

Think of Dicang as a point that helps to 'ground' your face. It's invaluable for addressing issues like facial paralysis, a droopy mouth, and a feeling of a 'tight' face. By anchoring the mouth and harmonizing facial muscles, it helps to restore a sense of ease and freedom.

By anchoring the mouth and harmonizing facial muscles, ST-4 helps to restore a sense of balance and inner peace. It's a point that reminds us that our true power comes from a well-regulated and harmonious body.

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: 0.4 cun lateral to the corner of the mouth, in the nasolabial groove.

How to Locate:

  1. Look in a mirror and find the corner of your mouth
  2. Move your finger slightly outward from the corner toward your ear
  3. Find the groove that runs from your nose to your mouth corner
  4. The point is in this groove, just outside your mouth corner
Location illustration for 0.4 cun lateral to the corner of the mouth, in the nasolabial groove.

Primary Functions

Oral & Dental Health

  • Treats mouth and lip disorders
  • Relieves drooling and saliva control issues
  • Improves speech articulation

Nervous System

  • Treats facial paralysis and Bell's palsy
  • Alleviates facial muscle weakness
  • Reduces facial asymmetry and deviation

Digestive System

  • Improves appetite and taste sensation
  • Supports oral phase of digestion
  • Harmonizes stomach qi affecting mouth function

Emotional & Mental

  • Reduces anxiety affecting speech and eating
  • Improves confidence in social eating situations

Clinical Applications

Primary Indications

  • Facial deviation
  • Drooling
  • Lockjaw
  • Toothache
  • Eyelid twitching
  • Bell's palsy
  • Facial paralysis
  • Mouth drooping
  • Speech difficulties

Related Health Concerns

Common Conditions:

N/A

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

ST-4 Protocols

N/A

Important Precautions

  • Recent oral surgery
  • Severe dental infections
  • Facial nerve damage