Inner Courtyard
内庭 Nèi Tíng · ST-44
About ST-44 Inner Courtyard
ST-44 Neiting is the ying-spring point of the Stomach meridian, giving it a powerful heat-clearing action focused specifically on the Stomach channel and its territory. The ying-spring points are where pathogenic heat can be drained from a meridian, and since the Stomach channel traverses the face, gums, and throat before descending through the chest and abdomen, Neiting can address heat conditions anywhere along this extensive pathway.
The point's most celebrated application is for toothache, particularly of the upper teeth and gums. The Stomach meridian enters the upper gum line, and when heat accumulates in the channel, it produces throbbing dental pain, gum swelling, and sometimes bleeding. Firm pressure on Neiting draws the heat downward and out, providing surprisingly rapid relief. This is one of the classic 'distant point' treatments in Chinese medicine -- treating a problem in the head by working on the foot.
The name 'Inner Courtyard' evokes a sheltered interior space, suggesting the point's role in addressing conditions of the body's interior. Beyond dental and facial complaints, Neiting treats Stomach heat manifesting as excessive hunger, burning epigastric pain, acid reflux, halitosis, and mouth ulcers. It calms the spirit when heat disturbs sleep, causing vivid dreams and restlessness.
How to Find This Point
Find the webbing between your second and third toes on the top of the foot. Slide your finger up just past the web margin, to where the skin changes from the soft top-of-foot skin to the firmer sole skin. The point is in that transition zone.
Technique
Press firmly with the fingertip or thumbnail into the web space. Sustained pressure or rhythmic pressing. The point can be quite sensitive.
Pressure & Duration
Moderate to firm pressure for 1-2 minutes per side.
Benefits
Clears heat from the Stomach, resolves dampness, calms the spirit, benefits the teeth and gums, reduces swelling
Indications
Toothache (especially upper jaw), facial pain, sore throat, nosebleed, gastric pain, acid reflux, mouth ulcers, gum inflammation, fever, foot pain
TCM Actions
Clears heat from the Stomach channel, clears damp-heat, calms the spirit, harmonizes the intestines, ying-spring point of the Stomach meridian
Self-Care Use
Excellent for toothache affecting the upper jaw and for mouth sores or inflamed gums. Press firmly between the second and third toes on the top of the foot. Also helpful for acid reflux and burning stomach pain with heat signs. When combined with LI-4 for toothache, the two points together provide strong pain relief while waiting to see a dentist.
Contraindications & Cautions
No major contraindications. Avoid if there is an open wound or infection between the toes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the ST-44 Inner Courtyard acupressure point located?
ST-44 Inner Courtyard (Nèi Tíng) is located at: On the dorsum of the foot, proximal to the web margin between the second and third toes, at the junction of the red and white skin. Find the webbing between your second and third toes on the top of the foot. Slide your finger up just past the web margin, to where the skin changes from the soft top-of-foot skin to the firmer sole s
How long should I press ST-44 Inner Courtyard?
Apply moderate to firm pressure to ST-44 for 1-2 minutes per side. Press firmly with the fingertip or thumbnail into the web space. Sustained pressure or rhythmic pressing. The point can be quite sensitive.
What are the benefits of stimulating ST-44 Inner Courtyard?
Clears heat from the Stomach, resolves dampness, calms the spirit, benefits the teeth and gums, reduces swelling
Is it safe to do acupressure on ST-44 at home?
Excellent for toothache affecting the upper jaw and for mouth sores or inflamed gums. Press firmly between the second and third toes on the top of the foot. Also helpful for acid reflux and burning st Cautions: No major contraindications. Avoid if there is an open wound or infection between the toes.
Which meridian does ST-44 belong to?
ST-44 Inner Courtyard belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, which is associated with the Water (ying-spring point of Earth meridian) element. Its TCM actions include: Clears heat from the Stomach channel, clears damp-heat, calms the spirit, harmonizes the intestines, ying-spring point of the Stomach meridian