Acupuncture
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EX-HN-Shangming
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
When the patient looks straight forward, Shangming EX-HN is directly superior to the pupil, below the orbital ridge.
Main Actions
- Benefits the eyes
Indications
Blurred vision
Visual disturbances
Myopia (nearsightedness)
Optic atrophy
Optic neuritis
Retinitis pigmentosa
Macular degeneration
Eye pain
Eye redness
Excessive tearing
Night blindness
Abducent nerve paralysis
Ptosis (drooping eyelid)
Cataracts
Glaucoma
Commentary
Shangming EX-HN is not an important Extra point. Its main function is to benefit the eyes.
Classical Sources
Shangming (上明) is a modern extra point that does not appear in the major classical texts such as Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经) or Zhenjiu Dacheng (针灸大成). It was developed through clinical experience in treating eye diseases, particularly in the context of ophthalmological acupuncture developed in 20th century China.
The point became prominent through the work of Professor Jin Rui (靳瑞), who incorporated it as the third needle (Eye III/眼Ⅲ针) in his influential 'Three Eye Needles' (眼三针) protocol for treating difficult eye conditions. This modern clinical application has established its place in contemporary acupuncture practice for ophthalmological disorders.
How to Locate
Ask the patient to look straight ahead, palpate for the margin of the orbit directly above the pupil. Shangming EX-HN is located between the upper orbital ridge and the eyeball. Yuyao EX-HN-4 is in the midline of the eyebrow, above Shangming EX-HN.
Caution
This is a HIGH-RISK periorbital point requiring advanced training. Key safety precautions: 1. EYEBALL INJURY RISK: The point is located between the superior orbital ridge and the eyeball. Always have the patient look upward and gently push the eyeball downward before inserting. 2. NO MANIPULATION: Do not rotate, lift, or thrust the needle after insertion. Leave the needle still during retention. 3. SLOW INSERTION: Insert the needle slowly along the superior border of the orbit into the fatty tissue. 4. POST-REMOVAL CARE: After withdrawing the needle, apply firm pressure to the site for at least 10 minutes to prevent hematoma formation. 5. HEMATOMA WARNING: Bruising and swelling around the eye are common complications. Inform patients before treatment that periorbital discoloration may occur. 6. CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES: For routine eye disorders, safer 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 are preferred. 7. This point should only be needled by practitioners with specialized training in periorbital acupuncture techniques.
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 downward. Then slowly insert the needle 0.5–1 cun into the fatty tissue immediately below the orbit bone. Caution: Do not injure the eyeball. Pay attention to any pain from needling. No needle manipulation! 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
Distention and pressure sensation around the eyeball. The needle sensation should be localized to the orbital area. Due to the sensitive location, patients often experience discomfort during insertion. Some practitioners report the sensation radiating toward the eye or temporal region.
Moxibustion
Contraindicated
Duration: N/A
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Contraindicated
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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