Acupuncture
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EX-HN-14
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Neck — Posterior, Neck — Lateral
Location
Posterior to the mastoid bone, at the junction of the neck and the occiput.
Main Actions
- Benefits the eyes and ears
Commentary
Yiming EX-HN-14 is not a major Extra points. Its main function is to benefit the eyes and ears.
Classical Sources
Yiming (翳明) is an extra point that developed from clinical practice rather than classical texts. The name itself explains its primary function: Yi (翳) means 'to screen' or 'obscure' (as in eye cloudiness or cataracts), and Ming (明) means 'brightness' or 'light.' The name poetically describes its ability to remove visual obstructions and restore clear sight.
While not found in the earliest classical texts like the Huangdi Neijing, this point became documented in later acupuncture literature as an empirical point with special efficacy for eye disorders. Its location posterior to Yifeng (SJ-17) places it in a region associated with the sensory orifices of the head—both eyes and ears—reflecting its dual indications for vision and hearing disorders.
How to Locate
First locate Yifeng TB-17 below the earlobe and Fengchi GB-20 at the junction of the occiput and the neck. Draw an imaginary line between these two points and locate Yiming EX-HN-14 on this line and 1 cun posterior to TB-17.
Caution
The point is located in a region with several important anatomical structures. The deep cervical artery and vein lie in the deep layer, and branches of the great auricular nerve are superficial. Use controlled needling depth (0.5–1.0 cun) and avoid aggressive manipulation. Patients should be seated upright or prone during treatment. Due to its proximity to the ear, be mindful of patient comfort and avoid excessive stimulation.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension radiating toward the ear or occiput. Some patients may experience a sensation spreading toward the eye area or along the lateral neck. The deqi sensation is typically moderate and comfortable.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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