Du Bi: TCM Acupoint Guide

Name

Du Bi (ST-35)

Location

With the knee flexed, in the depression below the patella, on either side of the patellar ligament, medial or lateral to it.

With the knee flexed to 90 degrees, in the depression formed by the lateral foramen of the patella; at the lower border of the patella, in the depression lateral to the patellar ligament.

Needling

• Puncture perpendicularly 0.7 to 1 cun.
• Straight insertion, pointed medially or laterally, 1.5 to 2 cun. Sensation: local distention, possibly extending downward.
• Perpendicular insertion, directed toward UB-40 Weizhong, 1 to 2 cun.
• Oblique insertion in a medial superior direction behind the patella, 1 to 2 cun.
• Slanted insertion through the patellar tendon, joining the first eye to the second, 2 to 2.5 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness.
• Behind the patellar ligament, joining with MN-LE-16 Xi Yan.

Moxibustion is applicable.

Actions

• Removes obstruction from the channels and invigorates the channel
• Relieves swelling and stops pain
• Disperses Wind-Damp

Indications

Knee

• Pain, swelling and numbness of the knee
• Painful obstruction and stiffness of the knee
• Difficulty flexing and extending the knee
• Difficulty rising from a kneeling position
• Knee joint arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout
• Rheumatic pains of the knee joint
• Inflammation of the knee and surrounding tissue
• Diseases of the knee and surrounding soft tissue
• Weakness of the knee joint
• Numbness and motor impairment of the knee
• Bi syndrome of the knee

Lower limb

• Atrophy disorder (wei syndrome) of the lower limb
• Paralysis of the lower limb
• Numbness of the lower limb
• Weakness of the knee joint

Dampness and fluid disorders

• Beriberi
• Foot qi and leg qi
• Swelling of the leg due to Dampness
• Hydrothorax

Combinations

Notes

This point is also listed as MN-LE-16. It is essential in treating all knee disorders, whether they are due to Excess or Deficiency, Heat or Cold, and is an important point for treating Bi syndrome of the knee. It is most effective when moxa is applied to the needle to expel Dampness and Cold.