Acupuncture
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
EX-HN-9
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
0.1–0.2 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Face — Nose
Location
Inside the nasal cavity, at the junction of the nasal bone and the nasal cartilage.
Main Actions
- Clear Heat or Fire
Indications
Nasal congestion
Loss of smell (anosmia)
Allergic rhinitis
Chronic rhinitis
Sinusitis
Nasal itching
Nosebleed (epistaxis)
Red and swollen eyes
Acute conjunctivitis
Sore throat
Throat closure
Headache
Dizziness
Loss of consciousness
Heat stroke
Commentary
Neiyingxiang EX-HN-9 is not a major point. Its main function is to clear Heat and drain Fire.
Classical Sources
《肘后备急方》(Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang - Emergency Formulas to Keep Up One's Sleeve): "取葱黄心刺其鼻" - Use the yellow center of scallion to stimulate the nose. This is one of the earliest references to intranasal stimulation for emergency revival.
《儒门事亲》(Ru Men Shi Qin): Records treatment of severe eye redness and swelling lasting over 100 days, treated by bloodletting at multiple points including inside the nostrils, with approximately two sheng of blood released, resulting in recovery within three days.
《针灸玉龙歌》(Zhen Jiu Yu Long Ge - Jade Dragon Song of Acupuncture): "心火炎上两眼红，好将芦叶搐鼻中，若还搐得毒血出，目内清明显妙功" - When heart fire flares up causing red eyes, use reed leaves rolled into a tube to stimulate inside the nose; if toxic blood is released, the eyes will become clear.
《窦太师针经》(Dou Tai Shi Zhen Jing): Originally named this point simply "Yingxiang" (same as LI-20), later distinguished as "Neiyingxiang" (Inner Yingxiang) in the Jade Dragon Song commentary.
How to Locate
First find Shangyingxiang EX-HN-8 which is at the upper end of the nasolabial groove. Neiyingxiang EX-HN-9 is inside the nasal cavity, opposite of the external point of EX-HN-8.
Caution
This point is located inside the nasal cavity on the nasal mucosa, making it a specialized point requiring advanced technique. Only pricking to bleed with a three-edged needle or lancet is recommended - do not retain needles. Contraindicated in patients with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy. The nasal mucosa is highly vascular with arteriovenous networks, so bleeding is expected and therapeutic but must be controlled. Strict sterile technique is essential to prevent infection. Not suitable for self-treatment or inexperienced practitioners.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.1–0.2 cun
Needling Directions
Needling might be painful. It is recommended to prick to bleed with a needle, lancer or three-edged needle. Caution: Contraindicated in patients with bleeding disorders.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Sharp pricking sensation with immediate local bleeding. Due to the sensitive nasal mucosa location, sensation is typically intense. Patients may experience tearing of eyes and sneezing reflexes. The therapeutic effect is often immediate relief of nasal congestion or clearing of vision for eye conditions.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Particularly Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians