Directing Vessel

Lianquan REN-23

Chinese: 廉泉

Pinyin: Lián Quán

Location

On the anterior midline of the neck, above the Adm's apple, in the depression at the upper border of the hyoid bone.

How to locate

Palpate the hyoid bone which is a delicate bony structure and it is located above the upper border of the laryngeal prominence. Lianquan REN-23 is on the upper border of the hyoid bone and on the midline of the neck. 

Main actions

  1. Benefits the tongue and voice
  2. Descends Qi

Indications

Aphasia Coughing Wheezing Dry throat Mouth ulcers Loss of voice Tongue ulcers Aversion to speak Shortness of breath Vomiting frothy saliva

Needling

0.3–1 cun obliquely in a superior direction towards the vertex. 

Commentary for Lianquan REN-23

Lianquan REN-13 is often applied to treat aphasia or or tongue stiffness following Wind-stroke. 

Due to its special location at the root of the tongue, it has impact on Body Fluids production in the mouth. Thus it can treat throat and mouth dryness and ulcers. 

It is also able to subdue Rebellious Lung Qi so as to relieve coughing, wheezing, short of breath and vomiting of foamy saliva.