Stomach meridian

ST-3 (Jùliáo, 巨髎) — Great Crevice

Meridian
Stomach (ST)
Anatomical view
head
Point classification
Meeting point of the Stomach channel and Yang Heel vessel.
Depth reference
0.3-0.5 cun oblique or transverse
Moxibustion
Not established in checked point-specific sources; avoid direct or scarring moxibustion on the face.
Reference aliases
ST3; Juliao; 巨髎; Great Crevice

Anatomical location

On the face, directly below the pupil and level with the lower border of the nasal ala.

Traditional actions

Dispels facial wind; reduces swelling; activates the local channel and relieves pain.

Recorded indications

Primary: Facial weakness or spasm; cheek swelling; toothache.

Secondary: Nosebleed; twitching around the eye; lip swelling.

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 ST3, p. 47
  2. Acupuncture.Com Acupuncture Point Reference Stomach 3
  3. Council of Colleges of Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, Clean Needle Technique Manual, 7th edition Direct moxibustion restrictions for facial points, pp. 25 and 240-241

Frequently asked questions

Where is ST-3 located?

On the face, directly below the pupil and level with the lower border of the nasal ala.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for ST-3?

Dispels facial wind; reduces swelling; activates the local channel and relieves pain. The dataset lists these primary indications: Facial weakness or spasm; cheek swelling; toothache. Secondary indications are recorded as: Nosebleed; twitching around the eye; lip swelling.

Is ST-3 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify ST-3 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.