Stomach meridian

ST-16 (Yīngchuāng, 膺窗) — Breast Window

Meridian
Stomach (ST)
Anatomical view
anterior
Point classification
Regional Stomach channel point on the chest and breast line.
Depth reference
Superficial oblique or transverse insertion, limited to subcutaneous tissue by individual thoracic and breast anatomy; safe depth may be as little as 10-20 mm
Moxibustion
Not established in checked point-specific sources.
Reference aliases
ST16; Yingchuang; 膺窗; Breast Window

Anatomical location

In the third intercostal space, 4 B-cun lateral to the anterior midline.

Traditional actions

Opens the chest; eases cough; promotes free movement through the breast region.

Recorded indications

Primary: Cough; wheezing; chest distention or pain.

Secondary: Breast swelling, pain, or inflammation.

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.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region ST16, p. 53
  2. Acupuncture.Com Acupuncture Point Reference Stomach 16
  3. Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, Clean Needle Technique Manual, 7th edition Thoracic and breast-region safety, pp. 10-13 and 240-241

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST-16 located?

In the third intercostal space, 4 B-cun lateral to the anterior midline.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for ST-16?

Opens the chest; eases cough; promotes free movement through the breast region. The dataset lists these primary indications: Cough; wheezing; chest distention or pain. Secondary indications are recorded as: Breast swelling, pain, or inflammation.

Is ST-16 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify ST-16 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.