Chengqi Point (ST-1 / Tear Container, also known as Xixue and Mianliao)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Chengqi (ST-1 / Tear Container). Learn its benefits for red, swollen eyes, tearing, night blindness, and facial deviation, plus classic combinations for eye disorders.
Indications
Red, swollen and painful eyes, tearing, facial deviation (mouth and eye歪斜), and night blindness.
Precise Location
On the face, directly below the pupil, between the eyeball and the infraorbital margin (lower edge of the eye socket).
Location Method
Sit upright, recline, or lie supine with the eyes looking straight ahead. Straighten and bring together the index and middle fingers, with the middle finger touching the side of the nose – the point is where the index fingertip reaches at the lower orbital margin.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb or middle finger. ② Scraping therapy: Gently massage with the corner of a scraping board. Straighten both index fingers and knead the points on both sides with the finger pads for 1–3 minutes per session. Therapeutic actions: Disperses wind and clears heat, brightens the eyes and stops tearing.
Compatibility
Red, swollen and painful eyes: Combine with Taiyang (EX-HN5) and Chengqi (ST-1). Disease overview: This is an acute symptom common to various eye disorders. Ancient texts refer to it as "wind-heat eye," "sudden wind with heat," or "epidemic red eye" based on etiology, severity, and contagiousness. Massage sequence: Close the eyes and relax. Gently press the thumbs on both Taiyang points – massage clockwise 10 times, then counterclockwise 10 times; then gently massage Chengqi to help relieve redness, swelling, and pain. Myopia (nearsightedness): Combine with Jingming (BL-1). Facial deviation (mouth and eye歪斜): Combine with Yangbai (GB-14).
Efficacy & Actions
Massaging Chengqi can treat various disorders of the eyes, mouth, nose, tongue, and teeth. The Qianjin Yaofang records that this point treats "blurred vision, tearing, dizziness and dim vision, itching of the pupil, distant objects appearing hazy, night blindness, twitching of the eyelids, stiffness of the neck with facial pulling, and deviated mouth with inability to speak." This point belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian and is the meeting point of the Yang Qiao Vessel, Ren Mai, and Stomach Meridian. It disperses wind and clears heat, brightens the eyes and stops tearing. It is a key point for treating eye disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Cheng" means to bear or receive; "Qi" means tears. Located below the eyes, it receives tears that fall – hence the name Chengqi (Tear Container). It is also known as "Xixue" and "Mianliao."
Contraindications
As this point is located around the eye, manipulation should be gentle – heavy pressure or forceful kneading should be avoided to prevent injury to the eyeball and surrounding tissues. Needling should be performed with care to avoid the eyeball and should not be too deep.
