Traditional Chinese Medicine Healing Herbs(TCMHH)
Ask us

ACUPUNCTURE

Xi Yan: TCM Acupoint Guide

XIYAN
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
Advertisement

Name

Xi Yan (Xiyan)

Location

A pair of points in the two depressions medial and lateral to the patellar ligament, immediately below the patella. Locate with the knee flexed. The 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 Xiyan, behind the patellar ligament.
  • 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.
  • Puncture perpendicularly, 0.5 to 1 cun.
  • Moxibustion is applicable.

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

Notes

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

Advertisement

Sources and further reading

We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.

  • Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
  • Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
  • Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
  • NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.

Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.

Did this article help you?

Your answer shapes what gets rewritten next.

👍 Yes, this helped 👎 No, something is missing

Keep readingRelated entries

Da Ying: TCM Acupoint Guide Da Ying (Daying) is anterior to the angle of the mandible, where the facial artery is palpable. Caution: avoid puncturing the artery. Actions: eliminates. Gu Kong: TCM Acupoint Guide Gu Kong (Gukong) comprises two points: Greater Gukong at the midpoint of the interphalangeal crease of the thumb, Lesser Gukong at the midpoint of the. Hai Qian: TCM Acupoint Guide Hai Qian (Haiqian) is in the center of the frenum linguae, on the underside of the tongue. Needling: prick to bleed. Indications: diaphragmatic spasm. Tian Quan: TCM Acupoint Guide Tian Quan (Tianquan) is 2 cun below the anterior axillary fold, between the two heads of the biceps brachii muscle. Actions: unbinds the chest, invigorates.

Something this article did not cover?

Ask us directly. We reply within two days, and good questions become public articles.

Ask a question →