Acupuncture
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EX-HN22
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
0.2–0.3 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Face — Cheek
Location
Inside the mouth, on the mucosa of the cheek, 1 cun posterior to the corner of the mouth.
Main Actions
- Clear Heat
Indications
Commentary
Jiali EX-HN is not a major point. Its main function is to clear Heat from the mouth and throat.
Classical Sources
This extra point (經外奇穴) is not extensively documented in classical texts but appears in modern acupuncture references. The name Jiālǐ (颊里/頰裏) literally means "inside the cheek," describing its intraoral location. Modern clinical literature documents its use particularly for facial paralysis, jaundice, and oral mucosal conditions. It represents the empirical tradition of extra points discovered through clinical practice rather than classical channel theory.
How to Locate
Locate this point on the mucosa of the cheek, 1 cun posterior to the corner of the mouth.
Caution
This is an intraoral point located on the buccal mucosa (inner cheek lining). Strict sterile technique is essential when needling inside the mouth. Use fine gauge needles (30-32 gauge recommended). Ensure the patient has rinsed their mouth with antiseptic mouthwash before needling. Avoid in patients with active oral infections or severe gum disease. The mucosa is highly vascular - apply gentle pressure after needle withdrawal to prevent hematoma formation. This point is particularly useful for stubborn facial paralysis cases but requires careful patient positioning and good lighting for accurate needling.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.2–0.3 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–0.5 cun obliquely in a posterior direction, prick to bleed.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension or soreness in the cheek mucosa. Due to the sensitive nature of the oral mucosa, the sensation is typically mild. In facial paralysis treatment, patients may feel tingling or numbness spreading through the affected cheek area.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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