Acupuncture
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EX-UE-11
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.1–0.2 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Fingers
Location
On the tips of the 10 fingers.
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Pacifies Interior Wind
- Restore consciousness
Indications
Commentary
These 10 points are widely used to restore consciousness after wind-stroke or summer heat stroke.
Classical Sources
Qianjin Yaofang (千金要方) by Sun Simiao: "十宣穴，别名鬼城" (Shixuan point, also named Ghost City). "卒忤死，灸手十指爪下各三壮" (For sudden death from malign influences, apply 3 cones of moxa below each fingernail). "邪病大唤骂詈走，灸十指端，去爪一分" (For ghost-possession with screaming and running about, moxa the ten fingertips, one fen from the nails). "气短不得语……灸手十指头合十壮" (For shortness of breath with inability to speak... moxa ten fingertips with a total of ten cones).
Qixiao Liangfang (奇效良方): This Ming Dynasty text formally listed Shixuan as an extra-meridian point and explained the name - "宣" (xuan) means to diffuse or spread, referring to the point's ability to diffuse wind-heat and open the orifices.
Zhenjiu Xue (针灸学): "主治昏迷、癫痫、癔病、高热、小儿惊厥" (Main indications: coma, epilepsy, hysteria, high fever, infantile convulsions).
How to Locate
This is a group of 10 points on the tips of the 10 fingers, about 0.1 cun from the tip of the fingernail. Qiduan EX-LE-12 is a group of 10 points on the tips of the 10 toes.
Caution
This is a set of 10 points (one at each fingertip), not a single point. Bloodletting should be performed with proper sterilization using a sterile lancet or three-edged needle. Avoid in patients with bleeding disorders, those on anticoagulant therapy, or in cases of severe anemia. The fingertips are highly sensitive with dense nerve endings - warn patients of the sharp sensation. In pediatric patients, use minimal stimulation. While traditionally used for emergency revival, modern practice should integrate this with appropriate medical care - bloodletting at Shixuan is a first-aid adjunct, not a replacement for professional emergency treatment of stroke or seizures.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.1–0.2 cun
Needling Directions
Prick to bleed
Expected Deqi Sensation
Sharp, stinging sensation at the fingertips upon pricking. Bloodletting produces immediate local sensation with potential systemic effects including mental clearing and reduction of heat symptoms. Due to the very shallow needling depth and dense nerve endings at fingertips, deqi is typically experienced as an intense, localized prick rather than the usual aching or distending sensation.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes with moxa stick
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Particularly Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Special Point Classifications
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
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