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POINT: MN-LE-16

NAME: XIYAN

English: Eyes of the Knee
Also Known As: Knee Eyes

LOCATION:

  • On the knee, in the hollow formed when the knee is flexed, immediately below the patella and both medial and lateral to the patellar ligament. (See ST-35 Dubi.)
  • A pair of points in the two depressions, medial and lateral to the patellar ligament. Locate with the knee flexed. Medial Xiyan overlaps with ST-35 Dubi.

NEEDLING:

  • With the knee flexed and supported, perpendicular insertion directed toward UB-40 Weizhong 1 to 2 cun.
  • With the knee flexed and supported, Oblique insertion in a medial and superior direction behind the patella 1 to 2 cun.
  • With the knee flexed and supported, through between lateral and medial M-LE-16 Xiyan, behind the patellar ligament.
  • Puncture perpendicularly 0.5 to 1 cun.
  • Moxibustion is applicable.
  • Straight insertion, pointed medially or laterally, 1.5 to 2 cun. Sensation: local distention, possibly extending downward.
  • Slanted insertion, through the patellar tendon joining the first eye to the second, 2 to 2.5 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness.

COMMAND FUNCTIONS:

ACTIONS:

  • Dispels Wind-Damp
  • Benefits the knees
  • Reduces swelling
  • Alleviates pain

INDICATIONS:

  • Swelling and pain of the knee joint
  • Difficulty flexing and extending the knee
  • Weakness of the knee joint
  • Numbness of the knee
  • Numbness of the lower limb
  • Atrophy disorder of the lower limb
  • Difficulty squatting
  • Leg Qi
  • Paralysis of the lower limb

COMBINATIONS:

LIV-7
Xiguan

ST-34
Liangqiu
GB-34
Yanglingquan

Redness, swelling, and pain of the knees with inability to walk

Arthritis of the knee

 

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

NOTES:

  • These are essential points in the treatment of all knee disorders.
  • Moxa is particularly helpful on these points.