Dicang Point (ST-4 / Earth Granary)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Dicang (ST-4 / Earth Granary). Learn its benefits for facial paralysis, spasm, trigeminal neuralgia, and toothache, plus classic combinations for comprehensive facial treatment.
Indications
Facial paralysis (Bell's palsy), facial spasm, facial pain, and facial deviation (mouth and eye歪斜).
Precise Location
Located on the Stomach Meridian, approximately 4 fen (0.4 cun) lateral to the corner of the mouth.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine with the mouth gently closed. Raise both hands and press vertically with the index fingernails beside the corners of the mouth on both sides – that is the point.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb or middle finger, or pinch and knead with the fingertips. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Straighten both index fingers and knead the points on both sides with the finger pads for 1–3 minutes per session. Therapeutic actions: Dispels wind and opens the orifices, regulates qi and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Trigeminal neuralgia: Combine with Dicang (ST-4), Xiaguan (ST-7), Jiache (ST-6), Neiguan (PC-6), Waiguan (TE-5), and Yintang (EX-HN3). Disease overview: Trigeminal neuralgia, sometimes called "facial pain," is a paroxysmal, severe neuropathic pain that recurs in the distribution area of the trigeminal nerve on the face. Massage sequence: Close the eyes slightly, relax, and breathe evenly for 2 minutes. First massage Dicang for 3 minutes; then place both index or middle fingers on the ipsilateral Xiaguan and knead for 1 minute; then place both thumbs on the ipsilateral Jiache and knead for 1 minute; next press the contralateral Waiguan and Neiguan with the middle finger and thumb for 1 minute, alternating sides. Finally, place the thumb pad on Yintang with the other four fingers on the outer side of the opposite eye, and push upward from Yintang to the hairline 20–30 times. Toothache: Combine with Jiache (ST-6), Dicang (ST-4), and Hegu (LI-4). Trismus (locked jaw / inability to open mouth): Combine with Jiache (ST-6), Dicang (ST-4), Chengjiang (RN-24), and Hegu (LI-4).
Efficacy & Actions
When you have been affected by wind-cold, a cold, or a stroke, it can affect the eyes and eyelids – in severe cases, it may even cause mouth and eye deviation, inability to see distant objects, or inability to close the eyes. Combining conventional medical treatment with daily massage of Dicang point can produce good therapeutic results. This point belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian and is the meeting point of the Yang Qiao Vessel, Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, and Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. It dispels wind and opens the orifices, regulates qi and relieves pain. It is a key point for treating facial disorders and oral/dental conditions. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Di" means earth or lower; "Cang" means granary or storehouse. The Spleen governs the mouth and corresponds to Earth; the mouth is the external orifice of the Spleen. Located beside the corner of the mouth, where earth qi is stored – hence the name Dicang (Earth Granary).
