ACUPUNCTURE
Yao Yan: TCM Acupoint Guide
YAOYAN
Name
Yao Yan (Yaoyan)
Location
In the depression, approximately 3.5 cun lateral to the lower border of L-4 (DU-3, Yaoyanguan).
Needling
- Straight or transverse insertion, 1.5-2 cun. Sensation: distention and soreness in the lumbar region, sometimes extending to the buttocks.
- Perpendicular insertion, 1-1.5 cun.
- Puncture perpendicularly, 0.8-1.2 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
Actions
- Strengthens the kidneys
- Benefits the lumbar region
Indications
- Soft tissue injury to the lumbar region
- Nephroptosis
- Orchitis
- Irregular menstruation
- Lumbar pain
- Kidney deficiency consumption
- Frequent urination
Notes
For lumbar pain, use 7 cones of moxa.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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