Neixiyan Point (EX-LE4 / Inner Knee Eye)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Neixiyan (EX-LE4 / Inner Knee Eye). Learn its benefits for knee pain, leg weakness, and knee joint disorders – the extraordinary point for knee health – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Activates blood and unblocks the collaterals, frees and benefits the joints, reduces swelling and relieves pain. Treats knee pain, lower limb weakness, knee joint swelling and pain, rheumatoid knee arthritis, lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome, and limited knee flexion and extension.
Precise Location
With the knee flexed, in the depression on the medial side of the patellar ligament.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine with the knee flexed at approximately 90°. Locate the depression on the medial side of the patellar ligament below the patella. One point on each side.
Massage Method
Press and knead with the thumb pad for 3–5 minutes per session, 1–2 times daily – a local sore-distending sensation is optimal. Coordinate with knee flexion and extension exercises to enhance joint benefits. Mild-warm moxa may also be applied for 10–15 minutes per point. Therapeutic actions: Activates blood and unblocks the collaterals, frees and benefits the joints, reduces swelling and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Knee pain and knee joint swelling: Combine with Waixiyan (ST-35), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Liangqiu (ST-34). Lower limb weakness: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36) and Yanglingquan (GB-34). Rheumatoid knee arthritis: Combine with Waixiyan (ST-35), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Yinlingquan (SP-9). Lower limb flaccidity and limited knee flexion: Combine with Huantiao (GB-30), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Xuanzhong (GB-39).
Efficacy & Actions
This is an extraordinary point located in the depression on the medial side of the patellar ligament at the knee joint. It activates blood and unblocks the collaterals, frees and benefits the joints, and reduces swelling and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating knee joint disorders, often paired with the lateral Waixiyan (Dubi, ST-35). First documented in the Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (Emergency Thousand-Gold Formulas). "Nei" refers to the medial side; "Xi" refers to the knee; "Yan" means eye or depression. Located in the depression on the medial side of the knee, resembling an eye socket – hence the name Neixiyan (Inner Knee Eye). Neixiyan is an experienced effective point for treating knee joint disorders, with good therapeutic effects on knee pain, knee weakness, and rheumatoid knee arthritis. It is often combined with Waixiyan (Dubi, ST-35), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Liangqiu (ST-34).
Contraindications
Located in the knee joint depression – needling angle should be carefully controlled, generally oblique insertion at 0.5–1 cun, avoiding deep insertion to prevent injury to articular cartilage and ligaments. Moxibustion is permissible. Use with caution in pregnant women. Massage pressure should be moderate without excessive force.
