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.