Yaoyi EX-B-6

Suitable for the Lumbar Region · 腰宜 · Yāo Yí

Acupuncture

Needle Depth

0.5–1.2 cun

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular), 10-15° (Transverse)

Body Area

Back — Lower (Lumbar)

Location

3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra (L4).

Main Actions

Opens the Channel

Indications

Lower back pain Lumbar soft tissue injury Lumbar muscle strain Spinal muscle spasms Irregular menstruation Uterine bleeding (Beng Lou) Dysmenorrhea Sciatica Lower back stiffness Lumbar vertebral disorders

Commentary

Yaoji EX-B-6 is not a major point. Its main point is to opens the Channel and Luo Vessels.

Classical Sources

The point Yaoyi (腰宜) first appears in the text Zhenjiu Kongxue Ji Qi Liaofa Bianlan (《针灸孔穴及其疗法便览》 - A Survey of Acupuncture Points and Their Therapeutic Methods). The name 'Yaoyi' translates to 'Suitable for the Lumbar Region' (腰 yāo = lumbar/waist; 宜 yí = suitable/appropriate), indicating its primary clinical application for lumbar disorders.

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. Yaoyi EX-B-6 is 3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra. Vertically speaking, it is also on the scapula medial border line.

Caution

Due to the location in the lumbar region, practitioners should be aware of the underlying anatomy including the 2nd lumbar artery and vein dorsal branches, and the 3rd and 4th lumbar nerve cutaneous branches. Deep needling should be performed with proper angle to avoid the lumbar transverse processes. Exercise caution in patients with lumbar disc disorders. During pregnancy, use gentle stimulation as the point is in the lumbar region which may affect the uterus.

Needle Angle

90° (Perpendicular) / 10-15° (Transverse)

Depth Category

Medium

Standard Depth

0.5–1.2 cun

Needling Directions

Vertically 0.5–0.8 cun

Expected Deqi Sensation

Soreness and distension locally in the lumbar region, with possible radiation along the lower back muscles. When needling obliquely toward the spine at a shallow angle, the sensation may extend toward the midline.