Stress may start in the mind, but it rarely stays there. Long hours at a desk, emotional pressure, or just the daily grind can leave your shoulders locked. The body tenses up in anticipation of danger—even if that danger is just a deadline. For those looking to release that built-up tension, today’s acupoint, Empty Basin (Que Pen, ST12), is a reliable place to start. This collarbone-level acupoint offers both immediate physical relief and deeper energetic benefits, making it a great tool for anyone trying to decompress.
Rooted in TCM Tradition
Que Pen was first documented in the “Su Wen” (“Basic Questions”), a classical text in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Its name, “Empty Basin,” hints at its function from the energetic perspective. In TCM theory, that metaphor is quite literal. It’s a site where the Earth qi (vital energy) from the Stomach meridian meets the descending Heaven Qi, creating a dispersal pattern similar to water flowing from a perforated basin.
Que Pen is more than a junction on one meridian—it’s a high-traffic area. Several other meridians (energy pathways)—such as the lung, small intestine, gallbladder, bladder, and Triple Energizer—pass through this region, increasing the importance of Que Pen in both diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Daily Benefits Beyond Digestion
Although part of the Stomach meridian, Que Pen often appears in treatment protocols for complaints related to the throat and shoulder. It’s especially useful when the flow of lung qi becomes imbalanced. If the qi rises too strongly, it can manifest as coughing, a sore throat, or even asthma. Que Pen can help calm that upward surge.
Where it really shines for most people is in shoulder pain—especially the kind that comes from tension, fatigue, and poor posture. If you’ve ever ended a long day feeling like you’re wearing your shoulders as earrings, this is a point worth knowing. It helps release stagnation in the shoulder region, restoring both movement and energy flow.
Modern Research Confirms Its Role
A 2024 study investigated the potential of targeted manual therapy in treating atlantoaxial joint disorder, a misalignment between the top two cervical vertebrae. Using pressure-sensitive gloves, therapists compared the effects of a tendon-relaxation massage, known as slimming manipulation, on both the affected and unaffected sides. Que Pen was one of the key points used. It turned out that the affected side required more pressure, which helped realign the cervical spine and restore mechanical balance. The findings support what TCM has known for centuries: Regulating the flow of qi brings about real, measurable physical relief.
How to Locate and Stimulate Que Pen
Que Pen is located at the midpoint of the supraclavicular fossa. To find it, locate the dip just above your collarbone, then measure four finger widths outward toward your shoulder. You should end up near the midpoint of your collarbone. Feel around this area for tenderness or soreness—these sensations indicate the location of the acupoint.
How to Stimulate the Point
- Firm pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Circular massage: Massage in small circles with your index finger or thumb for one to three minutes on each side.
- Herbal patch: Apply an herbal patch overnight for longer activation.
- Advanced methods: Acupuncture or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy using dried mugwort) by a trained professional can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precautions
Avoid Que Pen during pregnancy, and if you’ve had an injury to the area. For those with sensitive skin, use herbal patches free from harsh chemicals. There are numerous nerves and vessels in the clavicle area, so be gentle when starting acupressure and adjust the intensity to match your comfort level.
Making Shoulder Care a Habit
Most of us don’t notice how much tension we’re carrying until we finally take steps to release it. If pressing on Que Pen feels sore or sensitive, it’s your body waving a red flag. Consider sharing your knowledge about this acupoint with students hunched over books and professionals locked into laptops. Try working it into your evening wind-down routine or your morning stretch session. A couple of mindful minutes at Que Pen could be your gateway to a more relaxed, aware, and pain-free day.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 4 July 2025
