Acupuncture
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EX-HN-5
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Head — Temporal, Face — Periorbital
Location
At the temple, in the tender depression approximately 1 cun posterior to the midpoint between the lateral extremity of the eyebrow and the outer canthus of the eye.
Main Actions
- Subdues Liver Yang Rising
- Brightens the eyes
Commentary
Taiyang EX-HN-5 is an important local point for treating headaches on the temple, caused by either Liver Yang Rising or Liver Fire.
On the other hand, it benefits the eyes as well by clearing Exterior Wind-Heat or Interior Heat caused by Liver-Fire.
Classical Sources
Bèi Jí Qiān Jīn Yào Fāng (备急千金要方 - Essential Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies) by Sun Simiao, Tang Dynasty (652 CE): This is the earliest classical text to document Taiyang as an extra point, establishing its use for head and eye disorders.
Shèng Jì (圣济): "太阳穴，不可伤，伤及令人目枯，不可治也" (The Taiyang point must not be injured; if damaged, it causes the eyes to wither and is incurable). This warning highlights the anatomical vulnerability of the temple region.
Yínhǎi Jīngwēi (银海精微 - Essential Subtleties on the Silver Sea): This ophthalmology text references Taiyang in treating various eye diseases, confirming its classical importance for visual disorders.
How to Locate
First draw a line between the lateral extremity of the eyebrow and the outer canthus of the eye. Then, palpate from the midpoint of this line in a lateral direction towards the temple, until reaching a distinct depression in the temporal bone. Taiyang Ex-HN-5 is located in the center of this depression. This point tends to be pressure-sensitive, especially with temporal headaches. Patients often get relief by using acupressure on this point.
Caution
The temple region overlies the pterion, where four skull bones meet (frontal, parietal, temporal, sphenoid). This area is anatomically fragile and contains the middle meningeal artery deep to the bone and the superficial temporal artery superficially. Excessive force or trauma to this area can be life-threatening. When needling: (1) Use gentle manipulation only - avoid strong stimulation; (2) After withdrawal, apply firm pressure with a cotton ball to prevent hematoma formation, as the area is highly vascular; (3) Never needle deeply due to the thin temporal bone; (4) Observe for any swelling or bruising after treatment.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–0.6 cun vertical insertion into the temporal muscle or obliquely in a lateral direction or transversely towards Shuaigu GB-8. This point often bleeds when needled.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distending or aching sensation at the point, often radiating toward the eye or temporal region. When needling toward the eye, patients may feel the sensation spread into the orbit. For trigeminal neuralgia treatment with threading toward ST-4 and ST-6, the sensation may extend across the cheek.
Moxibustion
Questionable
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Particularly Recommended
Gua Sha
Questionable
Related Resources
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