Directing Vessel
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REN-24
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Exit Point
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.2–0.3 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Face — Perioral, Face — Jaw
Location
On the midline, in the center of the mentolabial groove.
Main Actions
- Expels Internal Wind
- Regulates the Directing Vessel
Indications
Tetany
Lockjaw
Epilepsy
Face pain
Toothache
Hemiplegia
Purple lips
Painful gums
Face numbness
Loss of voice
Mouth deviation
Facial paralysis
Swelling of the face
Commentary
Chengjiang REN-24 is mostly applied to expel Interior Wind which gives rise to mouth and facial paralysis. Other typical symptoms include hemiplegia, deviation of mouth, lockjaw, epilepsy and tetany.
On the other hand, it is also able to remove the Obstructions in the Directing Vessels along its internal pathway (around the mouth and to the lower eyes). Thus it treats pain and numbness of the face, face swelling, toothache, gum pain, purple lips and sudden lose of voice.
Classical Sources
Zhēn Jiǔ Jiǎ Yǐ Jīng (針灸甲乙經 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Meeting point of Foot Yangming (Stomach) and Ren Mai."
Tōng Xuán Zhǐ Yào Fù (通玄指要赋): "For stiff head and neck, Chengjiang can provide relief."
Bǎi Zhèng Fù (百症赋): "Reducing Chengjiang immediately stops toothache."
Zhēn Jiǔ Dà Chéng (針灸大成 - Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Main indications: hemiplegia, deviation of mouth and eye, facial swelling, wasting-thirst, mouth and teeth sores, sudden loss of voice."
Zhēn Jiǔ Jù Yīng (针灸聚英): "If moxibustion is applied continuously without rest, the Foot Yangming channel may be damaged and the disease won't heal. Rest between sessions and resume moxibustion to allow free flow of blood and qi, then the disease will heal immediately."
How to Locate
Locate Chengjiang REN-24 in the center of the depression of the mentolabial groove.
Caution
Located over the mentalis muscle with inferior labial artery branches nearby. Shallow oblique insertion recommended to avoid vessel damage and excessive bleeding. The perioral area is sensitive; patients may find needling here uncomfortable. Avoid aggressive manipulation. When applying moxibustion, use intermittent application rather than continuous prolonged treatment, as classical texts warn this may damage the Stomach channel qi flow.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.2–0.3 cun
Needling Directions
0.2–0.3 cun obliquely in a superior direction.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and soreness at the point, possibly radiating to the lower lip and chin. A sensation of heaviness or fullness in the perioral region is common. Some patients may experience a slight tingling sensation extending toward the teeth.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Special Point Classifications
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Exit Point
Command Point
Commands region:
Face & Mouth
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