ACUPUNCTURE
Yuan Ye: TCM Acupoint Guide
YUANYE
Name
Yuan Ye (Yuanye)
Location
On the mid-axillary line, in the fifth intercostal space, approximately 3 cun inferior to the apex of the axilla.
Needling
- Puncture obliquely, 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
- Transverse-oblique insertion along the intercostal space, 0.5 to 1 cun.
- Caution: deep or perpendicular needling may induce a pneumothorax.
- Slanted insertion, 0.5 to 0.8 cun.
Actions
- Regulates the qi
- Unbinds the chest
- Benefits the axilla
Indications
- Fullness of the chest
- Swelling of the axillary region
- Pain of the hypochondriac region
- Pain and motor impairment of the arm
- Pain of the shoulder and arm
- Inability to raise the arm
- Axillary lymphadenitis
- Cough
- Chills and fever
- Pain of the lateral costal region
- Scrofula of the axilla
- Saber lumps
- Pleurisy
- Intercostal neuralgia
Contraindications
Several classical texts prohibit moxibustion on this point.
Notes
Some sources locate this point in the fourth intercostal space.
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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