Acupuncture
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EX-HN19
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.2–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Face — Perioral, Face — Jaw
Location
1 cun lateral to the center of the mentolabial groove.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind
- Opens the Channel and reduces pain
Indications
Commentary
Jiachengjiang EX-HN is mostly used to expel Interior Wind from the face, so as to treat facial paralysis and trigeminal neuralgia.
Classical Sources
Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (備急千金要方) - Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies:
This is the earliest recorded source for this point. The text documents its use for treating facial conditions and acute infections affecting the mouth and gums.
Zhenjiu Kongxue ji qi Liaofa Bianlan (針灸孔穴及其療法便覽) - Overview of Acupuncture Points and Their Treatments:
"Jiachengjiang, extraordinary point. Located about 1 cun lateral to Chengjiang on both sides. Needle 1-3 fen, moxa 3 cones. Mainly treats horse yellow acute epidemic (gum ulceration), also treats deviation of the mouth corner."
How to Locate
First locate Chengjiang REN-24 in the center of the mentolabial groove. Jiachengjiang EX-HN is 1 cun lateral to REN-24.
Caution
The mental foramen lies directly beneath this point. When needling deeply or obliquely for trigeminal neuralgia, locate the foramen carefully to target the mental nerve without causing damage. The mental artery also passes through this area - apply pressure after needle removal if bleeding occurs. Avoid aggressive manipulation near the mental nerve to prevent temporary numbness of the lower lip.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.2–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–0.5 cun vertically or up to 1 cun obliquely towards the mental foramen.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Standard insertion: Local distention and soreness around the chin area. For trigeminal neuralgia treatment: When needling obliquely into the mental foramen, the patient typically experiences an electric or numb sensation extending to the lower lip. This stronger sensation indicates proper needle placement near the mental nerve.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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