Acupuncture
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EX-HN-8
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Face — Nose
Location
At the upper end of the nasiolabial groove, at the junction of the maxilla and the nasal cavity.
Main Actions
- Benefits the nose
Commentary
Shangyingxiang EX-HN-8 is also called Bitong. It is widely used for various nose related symptoms.
The effect get stronger if it is through-needled from Yingxiang LI-20.
Classical Sources
《银海精微》(Yinhai Jingwei - Refined Essentials of the Silver Sea, Yuan Dynasty): First classical text to document this point. Describes its use for treating "烂弦火眼" (blepharitis with inflammation) and "久流冷泪" (chronic cold tearing).
《灸学简编》(Jiuxue Jianbian - Brief Compilation of Moxibustion Studies): Provides the modern standard location at the junction of nasal alar cartilage and nasal concha, near the upper end of the nasolabial groove.
Name Analysis: 上 (shàng, upper) + 迎香 (yíng xiāng, welcome fragrance). The point is named for its location superior to Yingxiang LI-20 on the Large Intestine channel, sharing its function of opening the nasal passages to restore the sense of smell.
How to Locate
Recommend the patient to smile, so as to reveal the nasiolabial groove. Palpate the bony margin of the nasal cavity and locate Shangyingxiang EX-HN-8 at the upper end of the nasiolabial groove.
Caution
This point is located in the sensitive nasal area close to the eyes. Needle obliquely upward and subcutaneously only - do not needle deeply or perpendicular. The angular artery and vein pass through this region, so avoid aggressive manipulation to prevent bruising. Ensure proper sterilization as the area is prone to infection. Not suitable for cupping or gua sha due to the delicate facial location.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–0.5 cun vertically towards the centre of the nasal cavity
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension around the nose, with sensation often radiating into the nasal cavity. Some patients experience immediate nasal opening or slight tearing during needling. The deqi sensation is typically mild to moderate.
Moxibustion
Questionable
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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