ACUPUNCTURE
Yin Men: TCM Acupoint Guide
YINMEN
Name
Yin Men (Yinmen)
Location
On the back of the thigh, in the depression between the hamstring muscles, 6 cun distal to UB-36 Chengfu and 8 cun proximal to UB-40 Weizhong.
Needling
- Straight insertion, 2 to 3 cun, causing a numb, electric sensation, possibly extending to the buttock or foot.
- Perpendicular insertion, 1 to 2 cun.
- Puncture perpendicularly, 1 to 1.5 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
Actions
- Activates the channel
- Alleviates pain
- Benefits the lumbar spine
Indications
- Low back pain
- Herniated disc
- Sciatica
- Occipital headache
- Paralysis of the lower limb
- Paralysis
- Low back pain that inhibits flexion and extension
- Distention on the lateral aspect of the thigh
- Hemiplegia
- Pain and rigidity of the lumbar spine
- Bi syndrome and wei syndrome of the lower limb
- Watery diarrhea
- Infantile paralysis
- Inability to bend the back or lie prone
- Pain and stiffness of the hip, back and thigh
- Paralysis of the hip extensor and knee flexor muscles
Notes
This point is frequently used for pain radiating down the back of the leg.
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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