Acupuncture
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EX-HN-7
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
- Moxibustion contraindicated
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Face — Periorbital
Location
On the lower border of the orbital ridge, at the junction of the lateral quarter and the medial three quarters.
Main Actions
- Benefits the eyes
Indications
Myopia
Glaucoma
Retinitis
Pigmentosa
Optic nerve atrophy
Convergent strabismus
Optic nerve inflammation
Commentary
Qiuhou EX-HN-7 is able to treat a wide range of eye disorders.
Classical Sources
Qiuhou is a relatively modern extra point that first appeared in Zhejiang Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine (《浙江中医杂志》, 1957). The original description noted the location as "the outer 1/3 of the lower orbital margin" with the needling zone extending from the junction of the middle 1/3 and outer 1/3 of the inferior orbital margin to the point where the inferior and superior orbital margins meet.
As an extra point developed in modern clinical practice for ophthalmological conditions, Qiuhou does not appear in classical texts such as the Huangdi Neijing or Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing. Its empirical use has been documented primarily in 20th-century Chinese medical literature for treating various eye disorders.
How to Locate
Divide the horizontal extension of the diameter of the orbital ridge in quarters. Then locate the point at the junction of the first and second lateral quarters, slightly superior to the border of the orbital ridge.
Caution
This is one of the most technically demanding acupuncture points due to its location directly behind the eyeball. Key safety precautions: 1. TECHNIQUE: Ask the patient to close eyes and look upward. Gently push the eyeball superiorly before inserting. Insert the needle slowly along the orbital margin—first slightly inferiorly, then perpendicularly. Never lift, thrust, or rotate the needle. 2. DEPTH LIMIT: Maximum safe depth is approximately 26mm (about 1 cun). Research shows that at depths exceeding 40mm, the ophthalmic artery and optic nerve may be damaged. 3. POST-NEEDLING: Apply firm pressure to the site for at least 10 minutes after needle removal. Warn patients that periorbital hematomas (bruising around the eye) may still occur despite precautions. 4. PRACTITIONER SKILL: This point should only be needled by experienced practitioners. Consider using safer alternative periorbital points such as Cuanzhu BL-2, Sizhukong SJ-23, Tongziliao GB-1, Sibai ST-2, Taiyang EX-HN-5, or Yuyao EX-HN-4. 5. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Avoid in patients with bleeding disorders, those on anticoagulant therapy, or with active orbital infections.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Ask the patient to look upward and gently push the eyeball upward, away from the lower eyelid. Then slowly insert the needle 0.5–1 cun into the fatty tissue immediately above the orbit bone. Caution: Do not injure the eyeball and the periosteum. Avoid the venous plexus and arteries! Pay attention to any pain from needling. No needle manipulation! Moxibustion is contraindicated. After removal of the needle, compress the site for 10 minutes. Haematomas may still occur and it is recommended to inform the patient before needling. Alternative, use less difficult points for eye disorders such as Zanzhu BL-2, Sizhukong TB-23, Tongziliao GB-1, Sibai ST-2, Taiyang Ex-HN-5 or Yuyao Ex-HN-4.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Sensation of distension or fullness around the eye socket. Patient may experience mild pressure or heaviness in the orbital region. Strong deqi is not sought at this point. Some practitioners report that patients feel a spreading sensation around the eye. Because this is a delicate periorbital point, strong sensations should be avoided and any sharp pain indicates incorrect needle placement.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A - Moxibustion contraindicated
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Contraindicated
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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