Acupuncture
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EX-HN-1
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Head — Vertex
Location
This is a group of 4 points and each located 1 cun from Baihui DU-20 in the anterior, posterior and lateral direction.
Main Actions
- Pacifies Interior Wind
- Calms the Mind
- Brightens the eyes and benefits the ears
Indications
Commentary
Sishengcong EX-HN-1's functions are quite similar to these of Baihui DU-20. There are 4 points and they are usually used together in practice.
They are mainly used to pacify Interior Wind, characterized by symptoms such as Wind-stroke epilepsy and dizziness.
They also calm the Mind as well as benefit the eyes and ears.
Classical Sources
《针灸资生经》(Zhenjiu Zishengjing): "神聪四穴，在百会四面各相去一寸。理头风目眩，狂乱风痫。" (The four Shencong points are located 1 cun in each direction from Baihui. They treat head wind, dizziness, mania, and wind epilepsy.)
《太平圣惠方》(Taiping Shenghui Fang): "神聪四穴，理头风目眩，狂乱疯痫，针入三分。" (The four Shencong points treat head wind, dizziness, mania, and epilepsy. Insert the needle 3 fen.)
《东医宝鉴》(Dongyi Baojian): "神聪四穴，在百会左右前后四面各相去一寸。主头风目眩，风痫狂乱。针入三分。" (The four Shencong points are located 1 cun in each of the four directions from Baihui. They mainly treat head wind, eye dizziness, wind epilepsy, and mania.)
《类经图翼》(Leijing Tuyi): Describes the anterior and posterior Shencong points as treating wind-stroke and epilepsy, with moxibustion of 3 cones.
How to Locate
First locate Baihui DU-20 on the vertex, at the junction of a line connecting the apex of the ears and the midline. DU-20 is also 5 cun within the anterior hairline. There are 4 Sishengcong points and all of them are 1 cun from DU-20. Two are on the Directing Vessel and the other two are on the line connecting the apex of the ears.
Caution
This point group is located on the scalp over the skull. Use transverse (subcutaneous) insertion only - perpendicular deep needling is contraindicated as it could potentially reach the skull. The galea aponeurotica (tendon-like tissue covering the skull) lies beneath. In infants and young children, be aware that the fontanelles may not be fully closed. Ensure proper sterilization as scalp wounds can bleed profusely due to rich vascular supply.
Needle Angle
10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun obliquely towards Baihui Du-20.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and numbness (酸胀) at the scalp. The sensation may spread across the vertex toward Baihui DU-20. Some patients report a feeling of warmth or lightness in the head.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 3–5 minutes with moxa stick; 1–3 cones if direct moxa
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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