Acupuncture
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EX-B-7
Needle Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Back — Lower (Lumbar)
Location
3.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra (L4).
Main Actions
- Strengthens the Kidneys
- Benefits the lumbar
Indications
Commentary
Yaoyan EX-B-7 is mainly used to treat acute or chronic lumbar pain due to Kidney Deficiency.
Classical Sources
Qianjin Yaofang (千金要方): Early references mention 'yaomu' (腰目) for treating lumbar pain and diabetes (消渴), located at 'the top of the sacrum on the left and right sides.'
Yi Shuo (医说): Describes 'yaoyan' for treating consumptive diseases (痨疾), noting it as the depression on both sides above the lumbar region, which 'acupuncturists call the lumbar eyes.'
Lei Jing Tu Yi (类经图翼): Documents the point location as 'in the depression of both lumbar eyes' (两腰眼宛宛中), indicating for 'consumptive disorders' (诸劳瘵).
How to Locate
First identify the Tuffier's line which connects the highest points of the iliac crest. The spinous process of the 4th lumber vertebra (L4) mostly falls on this line. Yaoyan EX-B-7 is 3.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra (L4).
Caution
This point lies in muscular tissue over the lumbar region. Ensure proper angle and depth control as the quadratus lumborum muscle lies deep to this location. While not near vital organs, deep needling should be performed with awareness of underlying structures. Use caution during pregnancy due to the proximity to the lumbar-sacral region. The patient should be in prone position with a pillow under the abdomen to reduce lumbar lordosis for accurate point location and safe needling.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–0.8 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distention and soreness localized in the lumbar region, sometimes extending or radiating to the buttocks. A deep aching sensation that spreads across the lower back is commonly reported.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes, or 7 moxa cones for lumbar pain
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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