Yintang - the most effective acupuncture point

HALL OF IMPRESSION

Of the close to 1,000 acupuncture points on the body, the point identified as 'YINTANG - Hall of Impression' stands out for its use in the relief of a number of health discomforts. YINTANG is found on the face, and is located at the glabella - the midpoint between the inner/medial ends of the eyebrows. Interestingly, this point is often instinctively massaged by many people in an attempt to relieve headaches and various discomforts of the face.

INDICATIONS

In traditional Chinese medicine it is used to:

• Calm the shen
• Benefit the nose
• Alleviate pain
• Calm the Shen

Shen refers to the spirit of a person. In trying to calm the shen, the intent is to restore calm and ease to the person through the stimulation of this point. Yintang may be used alone or in combination with other acupuncture points for persons suffering from:

Insomnia: disturbances in sleep patterns resulting from difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep or both. Persons will often wake in the mornings feeling unrefreshed and unrested.

Excessive agitation, restlessness and irritability: This may be caused by a number of different reasons, including: lack of good sleep, uncomfortable environmental factors, work and family pressures or a medical condition.

Stress and anxiety: whether due to work, family or a variety of life pressures.

Benefits

Pain Relief

Yintang is also used for headaches and facial pain, including those related to sinus congestion and other chronic pain syndromes. Typically, this point is used in combination with other acupuncture points on the face and the extremities to alleviate facial pain and headache.

Additionally, YINTANG is often used as part of treatment plans to manage hypertension and relieve dizziness.

NEEDLING

One method of stimulating the point is with the insertion of very thin acupuncture needles. When needled, the acupuncture needle is directed downward with the needle lying almost flat against the skin, with a needling depth of not more than half an inch.

MASSAGE

Alternately, one can administer self-massage at this point, using slow circular motions for up to five minutes. Depending on whether you are using this point to calm the shen, benefit the nose or relieve pain, appropriately diluted essential oils may be massaged at the point to enhance relief.

Oils include:

Calm Shen: Chamomile, Lavender, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Frankincense.

Benefit the Nose: Eucalyptus, Marjoram, Peppermint, Thyme, Rosemary.

Dr Tracey-Ann Brown is an oriental medicine practitioner of acupuncture and herbal medicine at Revamp Comprehensive, and adjunct lecturer at the University of Technology in oriental/Chinese medicine; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com