Directing Vessel
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REN-1
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Contraindicated during pregnancy
Needle Depth
0.5-1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Hip / Gluteal
Location
In the center of the perineum.
Main Actions
- Regulates the two lower orifices and genitalia
- Clears Dampness
- Restores consciousness
- Opens the Mind orifices and calms the Mind
- Nourishes Yin
Indications
Coma
Enuresis
Impotence
Anus pain
Depression
Turbid urine
Haemorrhoids
Urethra pain
Vulva swollen
Perineum pain
Shan disorder
Rectum prolapse
Testicle swollen
Perineum itching
Vagina discharge
Urinary difficulty
Genitalia sweating
Commentary
Three of the Extraordinary Vessels, Directing, Governing and Penetrating Vessels （Ren Mai, Du Mai and Chong Mai), meets at Huiyin REN-1 from the Interior. In fact, this is how REN-1 gets its name 'meeting of Yin'. Therefore, it is a multifunction point, which is very effective in invigorating Qi and Blood as well as subduing Rebellious Qi in case of mental issues.
Despite its being part of Directing Vessel, some of its symptoms indicate Governing Vessel disharmony, such as epilepsy, depression, haemorrhoids or prolapse of anus.
REN-1 can be used to clear Dampness of the genital area, urethra and anus, so as to treat vaginal discharge, pruritus vulvae or itching of scrotum, urinary difficulty, difficulty in defecation and etc.
REN-1 calms the Mind and open the Mind's orifices as well, so as to treat manic depression. It can also be applied to restore consciousness, especially after drowning.
Finally, it nourishes Yin and Kidney Essence. The related symptoms are incontinence, enuresis or nocturnal emissions due to Yin Deficiency.
Classical Sources
Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture, 282 CE): "Huiyin, also named Pingyi, is located in front of the anus, behind the genitals, between the two yin areas. It is the separate Luo of the Ren Mai, meeting with the Du Mai and Chong Mai. Needle to a depth of 2 cun, retain for three breaths, apply 3 cones of moxa."
Qian Jin Yao Fang (Essential Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold, 652 CE): Sun Simiao designated this point as the 11th Ghost Point (Gui Cang - Ghost Store) for treating manic-depressive disorders and psychological disturbances.
Zhen Jiu Ju Ying (Gathering of Acupuncture Eminence): "For sudden death, needle to 1 cun and tonify. For drowning victims, have someone carry them inverted to drain water; needle and tonify - if urine and feces discharge, they will survive."
How to Locate
For men, it is the midway between the anus and the scrotum. For women, it is the midway between the anus and the posterior labial commissure.
Caution
This point is located in an extremely sensitive area requiring special patient consent and privacy considerations before treatment. Strict aseptic technique is essential. Due to proximity to the perineal artery, vein, and nerve, careful needling technique is required. Many classical sources advise caution or restriction on needling this point. Absolutely contraindicated during pregnancy. Consider using alternative points (such as KI-1 or REN-2) that share some therapeutic functions but are more accessible. Always ensure proper positioning and draping for patient comfort and dignity.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5-1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5-1 cun. Caution: Forbidden to use during pregnancy. Good hygiene to avoid infection. Some classic books don't recommend needling in this point.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness in the perineum, with possible radiation toward the genitals or anus. Some patients may experience warmth spreading through the lower abdomen. Due to the sensitive location, the sensation can be quite strong and potentially uncomfortable.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5-15 minutes (use with caution due to sensitive location)
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Contraindicated
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Special Point Classifications
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
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