Location

on the dorsum of the foot, between the 2nd and 3rd toes, 0.5 cun above the margin of the web. A cun is the distance between the 2nd and 3rd knuckles, or the the distance at the widest part of the thumb.

Needling

perpendicular insertion 0.5 inch

Moxa is OK

Actions

Clears heat from the stomach channel and alleviates pain
Harmonizes the intestines and clears damp-heat
Calms the spirit.

Indications

toothache, pain in the face, deviation of the mouth, sore throat, gastric pain, epistaxis, acid regurgitation, abdominal distention, diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, swelling and pain of the dorsum of the foot, febrile diseases.

Commentary:

Neiting is the Ying-Spring point of the stomach channel. According to 5 Elements theory Ying spring points are noted for their heat clearing ability. As well, points at the end of a channel are indicated for disharmonies all along the length of the channel, and have a particularly strong effect at the other end of the channel. Neiting is a particularly good example of this axiom of Acupuncture. Neiting, along with Hegu (Large Intestine 4) are the points of choice for dental anesthesia, and for any kind of pain or discomfort in the jaw area. Neiting is also indicated for pain of the face or eye, nosebleed, or painful throat obstruction.

Neiting is also the point of choice for Trigeminal Neuralgia. It is often used along with local points, also on the stomach channel, on the face.

Because of its heat clearing properties Neiting is indicated for intestinal conditions involving damp-heat, like dysentery, diarrhea, blood in the stool, constipation and abdominal pain.

Neiting appears on the list of 12 'Heavenly Star Points', a grouping of the 12 most important Acupuncture points on the body, according to Ma Dan-Yang, the great Jin Dynasty physician.

Finally, Neiting is noted for its action of 'calming the spirit.' Depressive disorders may be treated and in particular it is indicated for 'aversion to the sound of people talking and a desire for silence.'