Xiyan Point (EX-LE4/5 / Knee Eyes, including Neixiyan / Inner Knee Eye and Waixiyan / Outer Knee Eye)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Xiyan (EX-LE4/5 / Knee Eyes). Learn their benefits for knee pain, joint swelling, lower limb paralysis, and rheumatoid knee arthritis – the extraordinary points 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, dispels wind and dampness. Treats knee pain, heavy and painful legs, beriberi, knee arthritis and periarticular soft tissue inflammation, lower limb paralysis, limited knee flexion and extension, rheumatoid knee arthritis, and knee and patellar swelling with pain.
Precise Location
With the knee flexed, in the depressions on both sides of the patellar ligament. The medial depression is Neixiyan (EX-LE4), and the lateral depression is Waixiyan (ST-35).
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine with the knee flexed at approximately 90°. Locate the depressions on both sides of the patellar ligament below the patella. The medial depression is Neixiyan, and the lateral is Waixiyan. Two points on each knee, four points in total.
Massage Method
Press and knead both Xiyan points simultaneously with the thumb pads 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, dispels wind and dampness.
Compatibility
Knee pain and knee joint swelling: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34), Liangqiu (ST-34), and Heding (EX-LE2). Lower limb paralysis and weakness: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Huantiao (GB-30). Rheumatoid knee arthritis: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34), Yinlingquan (SP-9), and Zusanli (ST-36). Beriberi: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Xuanzhong (GB-39). Limited knee flexion and extension: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34) and Xiyangguan (GB-33).
Efficacy & Actions
This is an extraordinary point located in the depressions on both sides of the patellar ligament at the knee joint. The medial one is called Neixiyan (Inner Knee Eye, EX-LE4), and the lateral one is called Waixiyan (Outer Knee Eye, ST-35 / Dubi). Used together, they activate blood and unblock the collaterals, free and benefit the joints, reduce swelling and relieve pain, and dispel wind and dampness. They are commonly used key points for treating knee joint disorders. First documented in the Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (Emergency Thousand-Gold Formulas). "Xi" refers to the knee; "Yan" means eye or depression. Located in the depressions on both sides of the knee, resembling eye sockets – hence the name Xiyan (Knee Eyes). The medial one is Neixiyan, and the lateral one is Waixiyan. Xiyan points are experienced effective points for treating knee joint disorders, with good therapeutic effects on knee pain, knee swelling, and lower limb paralysis. They are often combined with Yanglingquan (GB-34), Liangqiu (ST-34), and Heding (EX-LE2). Neixiyan and Waixiyan are commonly used together to enhance joint benefits.
Contraindications
Located in the knee joint depressions – 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.
