Stomach meridian
ST-12 (Quēpén, 缺盆) — Empty Basin
- Meridian
- Stomach (ST)
- Anatomical view
- anterior
- Point classification
- Regional Stomach channel point in the supraclavicular fossa.
- Depth reference
- Superficial oblique insertion, limited by the lung apex and supraclavicular vessels; safe depth may be as little as 10-20 mm
- Moxibustion
- Not established in checked point-specific sources; avoid direct or scarring moxibustion over the supraclavicular thorax and major vessels.
- Reference aliases
- ST12; Quepen; 缺盆; Empty Basin
Anatomical location
In the greater supraclavicular fossa, 4 B-cun lateral to the anterior midline and just above the clavicle.
Traditional actions
Directs Lung qi downward; activates the channel.
Recorded indications
Primary: Cough; wheezing; sore throat.
Secondary: Pain in the supraclavicular fossa; scrofula in traditional use.
How to read this reference
AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.
Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.
Sources
References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region ST12, p. 51
- Acupuncture.Com Acupuncture Point Reference Stomach 12
- Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, Clean Needle Technique Manual, 7th edition Supraclavicular vessels and pneumothorax prevention, pp. 4 and 10-13
Frequently asked questions
Where is ST-12 located?
In the greater supraclavicular fossa, 4 B-cun lateral to the anterior midline and just above the clavicle.
What reference actions and indications are recorded for ST-12?
Directs Lung qi downward; activates the channel. The dataset lists these primary indications: Cough; wheezing; sore throat. Secondary indications are recorded as: Pain in the supraclavicular fossa; scrofula in traditional use.
Is ST-12 safe during pregnancy?
This dataset does not identify ST-12 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.