The point is located in the supraclavicular fossa, which is sunken like a basin and irregular in shape. Huangdi Neijing Suwen ZhijieGao Shizong's note: "On both sides of the neck, the depression in clavicle is like a basin."

bubble_chart Location

Quepen (ST12) acupoint
(adapted from "Meridians and Acupoints")

in the center of the supraclavicular fossa, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline. It is above the midpoint of the clavicle, in the depression lateral to clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid muscle.

• Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing: "At the center of the horizontal bone depression on the shoulder";
• Zhenfang Liuji BOOK>: "At 4 cun on either side of Tiantu (CV22)";
• Zhenjiu Jicheng: "Opposite to nipple, Qishe (ST11) is on the medial inside, near throat; Quepen (ST12) on the lateral side".

bubble_chart Anatomy

• Muscles: platysma, omohyoid muscle.
• Nerves: supraclavicular middle nerve, the deep layer is the supraclavicular part of brachial plexus.
• Vessels: there is transverse cervical artery below and subclavian artery on the medial side.

bubble_chart Manipulation

Insert the needle shallowly 0.3-0.4 cun, avoiding penetration beyond the first rib to prevent causing a pneumothorax. When the needle stimulates the brachial plexus, an electric shock-like sensation may radiate to the upper limb. If pressing downward vertically on Quepen (ST 12) with a finger, the brachial plexus and subclavian artery can be compressed between the thumb and the first rib. This may cause numbness and pain relief in the upper limb while temporarily blocking arterial blood flow. Upon releasing the pressure, a warm sensation may be felt passing through the upper limb. If pressing posteromedially, the stellate ganglion of the sympathetic nerve can be compressed between the thumb and the first thoracic vertebral body, resulting in initial dilation followed by constriction of the pupil, as well as vasodilation and increased skin temperature in the ipsilateral limb. Moxibustion with moxa cone 3 ~ 5 rounds, moxibustion with moxa stick 5 ~ 10 minutes.

Relieve shoulder and arm pain, drain heat from the chest.

bubble_chart Combinations

• Cough: Quepen (ST12), Tanzhong (CV17), Juque (CV14).
• Hemoptysis: Quepen (ST12), Xinshu (BL15), Liver, Juque (CV14), Jiuwei (CV15).