Stomach 9 is worth special attention, for reasons beyond the necessity of needling carefully to avoid bruising. This focused one-day seminar with world-renowned instructor Kiiko Matsumoto will explore the clinical significance and use of Stomach 9, one of the most dynamic yet under-utilized points on the stomach meridian, which plays a vital role in regulating qi, blood circulation, and disorders affecting the throat, head, and cardiovascular system. According to classical Heaven–Earth–Human theory, Stomach 9 is strategically located to influence multiple sensory domains: visceral sensations such as pain, hunger, and nausea; somatosensory functions, including touch, movement, and temperature perception; and the special senses, such as vision, smell, and balance. Needling this point effectively, as a result, can affect everything from breathing to disordered eating patterns. Since it is located at the area where the carotid artery runs, ST9 is also closely related to the carotid body, a small, oval-shaped sensory organ located at the bifurcation of the common carotid artery in the neck that is part of the chemoreceptor system, which plays a crucial role in regulating breathing and cardiovascular function. The carotid body chemoreceptor is primarily known for its oxygen-sensing mechanism, which regulates blood oxygen levels, but it also plays a role in glucose regulation. Therefore, if there is a lack of oxygen in the blood, it may affect blood glucose level as well. Through lecture, demonstrations, and case discussions, attendees will develop a deeper understanding of when and how to use Stomach 9 effectively in clinical practice, from treating disordered eating to breathing problems and more.
