What is Nei Ting used for in TCM?

Nei Ting (ST44) is the primary acupoint for clearing Stomach Fire and Stomach heat. It is most commonly used for toothache (especially lower tooth pain), gum swelling and bleeding, bad breath, facial swelling, sore throat, stomach pain with burning, and acid reflux. As the Ying-Spring point of the Stomach meridian, it is specifically effective for clearing heat from the Stomach channel. In TCM theory, the Stomach meridian passes through the face and gums, so Stomach Fire often manifests as dental and facial symptoms — Nei Ting directly addresses this connection.

Can Nei Ting help with a toothache?

Yes — Nei Ting (ST44) is one of the most effective acupoints for toothache in TCM. It works specifically for toothache caused by Stomach Fire, which typically presents as: throbbing pain in the lower teeth, red swollen gums, bad breath, thirst for cold drinks, and possibly facial swelling. For acute toothache, press Nei Ting firmly on both feet for 5-10 minutes. The point can provide significant pain relief. However, toothache may also have other causes (Kidney deficiency, wind-heat) requiring different points. Any persistent toothache should be evaluated by a dentist — acupressure provides symptomatic relief but does not treat dental disease itself.

Nei Ting (ST44 内庭): TCM Acupoint for Clearing Stomach Fire, Toothache, and Digestive Heat

What Is Nei Ting?

Nei Ting (内庭), Stomach 44 (ST44), is the premier acupoint for clearing Stomach Fire. Its name means “Inner Courtyard” — suggesting the inner space where heat is drawn out and dispersed. As the Ying-Spring point of the Stomach meridian, it has a specific and powerful heat-clearing function.

The Stomach meridian travels through the face, gums, and teeth. When Stomach Fire flares — from spicy food, emotional stress, or dietary excess — it rises along the meridian to cause toothache, gum swelling, facial pain, and bad breath. Nei Ting is the point that extinguishes this fire at its source.

Basic Information

Property	Details
Name	内庭 (Nèi Tíng) — “Inner Courtyard”
Meridian	Stomach (ST)
Point number	ST44
Category	Ying-Spring point (荥穴)
Five Element	Water (Water point on Earth meridian)
Location	Top of the foot, between 2nd and 3rd toes

Location

How to find Nei Ting:

Look at the top of your foot
Identify the gap between the 2nd and 3rd toes
Follow this gap proximally (toward the ankle)
The point is in the depression where the toes meet the foot
About 0.5 cun (finger-width) proximal to the web margin
Press firmly — a strong soreness confirms the location

Anatomical reference: Proximal to the web margin between the 2nd and 3rd toes, in the depression at the junction of the heads of the 2nd and 3rd metatarsal bones.

TCM Functions

Primary Actions

Clears Stomach Fire and heat (清胃泻火) — the core function
Relieves pain (止痛) — especially toothache and facial pain
Reduces swelling (消肿) — gum and facial swelling
Harmonizes the Stomach (和胃) — digestive regulation

Why Ying-Spring Points Clear Heat

In TCM acupuncture theory, Ying-Spring points (荥穴) are the heat-clearing points of each meridian:

Jing-Well → Ying-Spring → Shu-Stream → Jing-River → He-Sea
The Ying-Spring level is where pathogenic heat is most accessible
Nei Ting = Ying-Spring of Stomach = Stomach heat clearing point

Clinical Applications

1. Toothache (牙痛)

The most famous use:

Throbbing, severe toothache
Lower teeth especially affected
Red, swollen, bleeding gums
Pain worse with heat, better with cold
Combined with He Gu (LI4), Jia Che (ST6)

2. Gum Disease and Bleeding (牙龈肿痛)

Swollen, red, painful gums
Bleeding while brushing
Stomach Fire rising to gums
Combined with He Gu (LI4), Qu Chi (LI11)

3. Facial Pain and Swelling (面肿痛)

Swelling of the face, cheeks
Stomach meridian passes through the face
Combined with He Gu (LI4), Xia Guan (ST7)

4. Bad Breath (口臭)

Foul breath from Stomach Fire
Heat in the Stomach “cooks” food → foul odor rises
Combined with Zhong Wan (CV12), He Gu (LI4)

5. Stomach Pain with Heat (胃热痛)

Burning stomach pain
Acid reflux, sour regurgitation
Thirst for cold drinks
Combined with Zhong Wan (CV12), Zu San Li (ST36)

6. Sore Throat (咽喉肿痛)

Red, swollen, painful throat
Stomach heat rising to the throat
Combined with He Gu (LI4), Lian Quan (CV23)

Key Point Combinations

Combination	Purpose
ST44 + LI4 (He Gu)	The classic pair for toothache and facial conditions
ST44 + ST6 (Jia Che)	Lower toothache, facial swelling
ST44 + ST36 (Zu San Li)	Stomach heat + digestive support
ST44 + CV12 (Zhong Wan)	Stomach pain, acid reflux
ST44 + LI11 (Qu Chi)	Heat clearing, skin conditions with Stomach Fire

Acupressure Technique

For Toothache (Emergency Relief)

Locate Nei Ting on both feet
Press firmly with a thumbnail or finger tip
Apply strong, sustained pressure for 5-10 minutes
Breathe slowly and deeply during acupressure
The ache at the point should be strong — this is the desired response
Can repeat every 2-3 hours for persistent pain
Combine with pressing He Gu (LI4) simultaneously

For Stomach Heat Symptoms

Press firmly for 3-5 minutes per foot
Use circular motions
Practice 2-3 times daily
Combine with dietary changes (avoid spicy, greasy foods)

Moxibustion and Needling

Method	Application
Acupuncture	Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun, strong stimulation for heat
Moxibustion	Generally NOT recommended — heat condition should not be warmed
Bleeding	Pricking to release a few drops of blood can rapidly clear severe Stomach Fire
Acupressure	Firm pressure 3-5 minutes, effective for self-care

Precautions

Situation	Guidance
Pregnancy	Use gentle pressure — strong stimulation should be avoided
Cold-type toothache	Not the right point — use points that warm instead
Spleen deficiency	Strong clearing may further weaken digestion
Open wounds on feet	Avoid pressing directly on broken skin

Key Takeaways

Nei Ting (ST44) is the #1 point for Stomach Fire — toothache, gum swelling, bad breath
Ying-Spring point of the Stomach meridian with specific heat-clearing function
The classic Nei Ting + He Gu combination is TCM’s go-to for dental pain
Effective for self-care acupressure during acute toothache episodes
Do NOT use moxa — this is a heat-clearing point

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Persistent toothache and dental conditions require professional dental evaluation. Consult a licensed acupuncturist for proper treatment.