Sibai (四白 ST2): The Stomach Point Below the Eye for Facial Pain and Sinus
Sibai (ST2) sits directly below the eye on the Stomach meridian and is one of the most used points for eye strain, facial pain, sinus congestion, and facial paralysis. Its name — 'Four White' — refers to the bright area of skin below the eye where it sits.
The “Four White” Point
Sibai (四白), meaning “Four White,” is the second point on the Stomach (Zú Yángmíng) meridian and one of the most clinically useful points on the face. The name comes from its location: the point sits in the bright, white-skinned area just below the eye, in the depression of the infraorbital foramen. Classical texts describe the “four white” as the luminous zone surrounding the eye where the point’s influence spreads.
Like many face points, Sibai earns its keep through local anatomy. Directly beneath it run the infraorbital nerve (a branch of the maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve) and the infraorbital artery and vein. That is why stimulating Sibai produces a strong, radiating sensation — and why it is so effective for problems of the lower eye, cheek, and maxillary sinus that share this nerve supply.
Location
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Meridian | Stomach (足阳明胃经) |
| Point code | ST2 |
| Location | In the depression of the infraorbital foramen, ~1 cun directly below the pupil, on the lower border of the orbit |
| Needling | Perpendicular or slightly oblique, 0.2–0.4 cun; professionals only — deep or upward needling risks the eyeball |
| Caution | Never needle upward toward the eye |
What It Treats
Eye Conditions
Sibai is a core local point for the eyes. The Stomach meridian is considered to “supply” the area around the eye, and Sibai directly influences:
- Eye strain and fatigue from screen use
- Blurred vision and difficulty focusing
- Dry eyes and gritty sensation
- Eye twitching (眼睑瞤动)
- Conjunctivitis and red, itchy eyes (as an adjunct)
In modern practice it is routinely paired with Zanzhu (BL2), Taiyang (EX-HN5), and Fengchi (GB20) for any visual-fatigue complaint.
Sinus and Nasal Problems
Because the maxillary sinus sits directly behind Sibai, the point is a mainstay for sinus congestion and sinus headache:
- Chronic sinusitis with pressure under the eyes
- Frontal and maxillary sinus headache
- Allergic rhinitis with congestion and pressure
- Runny nose and reduced sense of smell
It is often combined with Yintang (EX-HN3), Yingxiang (LI20), and Lieque (LU7) for sinus and rhinitis formulas.
Facial Pain and Trigeminal Neuralgia
The infraorbital nerve that runs under Sibai is exactly the second branch of the trigeminal nerve. This makes Sibai the most direct point for maxillary (second-division) trigeminal neuralgia — the sharp, electric facial pain that runs through the cheek and upper lip. It is also used for general facial pain, toothache of the upper jaw, and cheek swelling.
Facial Paralysis (Bell’s Palsy)
In peripheral facial paralysis, Sibai is almost always included in the point prescription, because it helps restore movement to the muscles below the eye and the lower eyelid — which droop or fail to close properly in palsy. Typical pairings include Yangbai (GB14), Quanliao (SI18), Dicang (ST4), and Jiache (ST6).
Cosmetic and Under-Eye Use
In cosmetic acupuncture, Sibai is one of the points most often cited for:
- Dark circles under the eyes
- Under-eye puffiness and bags
- Improving local circulation and skin tone
The mechanism is straightforward: better local blood and lymph circulation reduces fluid pooling and darkness. Regular gentle acupressure at Sibai (along with adequate sleep and hydration) is one of the few acupressure techniques with a plausible link to reducing under-eye circles.
How to Use It at Home (Acupressure)
For self-care, firm, sustained pressure is the technique — not needles:
- Find the point: Look straight ahead. Place a finger directly below the center of your pupil, just under the bony ridge of the eye socket. Press gently until you feel a small, tender depression.
- Press: Apply firm but comfortable pressure for 1–2 minutes on each side. You may feel a dull ache or a subtle sensation radiating toward the nose or cheek — that is normal.
- Best moments: Use it during a screen break for eye strain, at the first sign of sinus pressure, or as part of a morning routine for under-eye puffiness.
- Pairs well with: Zanzhu (BL2, inner eyebrow) for eye strain; Yingxiang (LI20, beside the nostril) for sinus congestion.
Do not press so hard that it is painful, and avoid pressing on broken or inflamed skin.
Classical Notes
Sibai appears in the Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (《针灸甲乙经》, 282 CE), the earliest dedicated acupuncture text, where it is listed for “eye pain, dim vision, and facial disorders.” The Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (《针灸大成》, 1601) expands its indications to include “headache, dizziness, eye twitching, runny nose, and itching of the face.” Across the classical literature, the consistent theme is the eye-face-sinus triangle, which is exactly how it is still used today.
A Point Worth Knowing
Sibai is not a dramatic, whole-body point like Zusanli or Hegu. Its value is local and practical: it sits exactly where three of the most common modern complaints converge — screen eye strain, sinus pressure, and facial tension. For anyone who works at a computer, suffers seasonal sinus problems, or wants a simple facial acupressure routine, knowing where Sibai is and pressing it for a minute or two is one of the more immediately useful self-care skills in TCM.
Related Reading
FAQ
Where exactly is the Sibai acupoint?
Sibai (ST2) is located on the face, in the depression at the infraorbital foramen, about one finger-breadth (cun) directly below the lower edge of the eye (the infraorbital ridge). An easy way to find it: press gently just below the eye in line with the center of the pupil — when you feel a small, slightly tender depression and often a subtle electric or tingling sensation radiating, you are on it. For acupressure at home, press firmly but gently for 1–2 minutes on each side; avoid needling it yourself, as the infraorbital nerve and blood vessels sit just beneath, and professional needling is performed at a specific oblique angle to avoid injury.
What is Sibai most commonly used to treat?
Sibai is a major local point for three problem areas: the eyes (eye strain, blurred vision, dry eye, twitching), the sinuses (sinus congestion, sinus headache, allergic rhinitis), and the face (facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia of the second branch, facial paralysis or Bell's palsy). Because the Stomach meridian spreads across the entire face, Sibai is also used cosmetically for dark circles and under-eye puffiness. It is one of the most frequently combined points in modern cosmetic acupuncture and facial-rejuvenation protocols.
Disclaimer
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or healthcare professional before beginning any treatment.