Acupuncture
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EX-HN-12
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
Prick to bleed cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Face — Perioral
Location
Below the tongue, on the left lingual vein side of the frenulum.
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and reduces swelling
- Generates Body Fluids
- Benefits the tongue
Indications
Diarrhea
Tongue pain
Throat pain
Mouth ulcers
Loss of voice
Swollen tongue
Morning sickness
Tongue stiffness
Lotus flower tongue
Aphasia after Windstroke
Commentary
Jinjin EX-HN-12 and Yuye EX-HN-13 are mostly combined, despite that they are not used often due to their location on the frenulum.
Their main function is to clear Heat and reduce swelling of the tongue, in sudden, severe and recalcitrant cases.
They can also be applied to treat severe morning sickness.
Classical Sources
Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang (備急千金要方, Essential Formulas Worth a Thousand in Gold): "For sudden tongue swelling that fills the mouth like an inflated pig's bladder, blocking the airway and killing within moments if not treated: prick the large vessels on both sides under the tongue to let blood."
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (針灸大成, Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Located on the purple veins on both sides of the frenulum, roll up the tongue to locate. Treats severe tongue swelling and throat obstruction. Use a three-edged needle boiled in white broth to let blood."
Shi Yi De Xiao Fang (世醫得效方, Effective Formulas from Generations of Physicians): Describes needling the large vessels under the tongue for tongue swelling "like a pig's bladder," with warnings about avoiding the central vessel to prevent uncontrollable bleeding.
How to Locate
Roll up the tongue and reveal the lingual veins on the frenulum. Jinjin EX-HN-12 is on the left lingual veins. Yuye EX-HN-13 is on the right side.
Caution
CONTRAINDICATED in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications. The sublingual veins can bleed profusely if not properly managed. Classical texts warn strongly against puncturing the central vessel under the tongue, as this can cause uncontrollable bleeding that may be fatal. After bloodletting, apply pressure with sterile gauze and have the patient remain still with mouth closed for several minutes. Monitor for excessive bleeding. Due to the sensitive location, this point should only be used by experienced practitioners for acute, severe conditions. Not suitable for routine treatment.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
Prick to bleed cun
Needling Directions
Swift puncture with a needle, lancet or three-edged needle and let bleed. It is often used together with Yuye EX-HN-13. Caution: It is contraindicated for patients with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant medication.
Expected Deqi Sensation
This point is primarily used for bloodletting rather than standard needling. When pricked with a three-edged needle or lancet, there is typically sharp pain followed by relief as dark venous blood is released. Some patients may experience mild nausea or light-headedness during the procedure. There is no traditional deqi sensation as with regular acupuncture points.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Particularly Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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