Zhi Yin Xue, also known as Du Yin, is an acupuncture point in the human body. It is the well point of the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, located 0.1 cun beside the nail corner on the outer side of the little toe. It forms an arterial network with the dorsal artery of the toe and the intrinsic arterial network of the toe. It has the functions of dispersing heat, promoting qi circulation, regulating menstruation, promoting labor, regulating qi and blood circulation, and improving vision and mental clarity. Moxibustion on Zhi Yin Xue can treat abnormal fetal position.
[Location of Zhi Yin Xue]
1. Standard Location
Zhi Yin Xue is located on the outer side of the distal end of the little toe, 0.1 cun from the nail corner.
2. Acupoint Selection Method
Sit upright with feet on the ground or lie prone. Select the acupoint on the outer side of the little toe, 0.1 cun from the nail corner.
Quick acupoint selection method: On the outer side of the little toe, draw a vertical line on the outer and lower edges of the nail. The intersection is the Zhi Yin Xue.
[Functions and Effects of Zhi Yin Xue]
(1) Functions of Zhi Yin Xue
Zhi Yin Xue has the functions of dispersing heat, promoting qi circulation, regulating menstruation, promoting labor, regulating qi and blood circulation, and improving vision and mental clarity.
Zhi Yin Xue is commonly used to treat gynecological and obstetric diseases, especially abnormal fetal position.
It can tonify kidney qi and correct fetal position, making it the first choice for treating abnormal fetal position.
In modern times, it is commonly used to treat abnormal fetal position, difficult labor, retained placenta, cerebral hemorrhage, post-stroke sequelae, urinary retention, nocturnal emission, conjunctival congestion, corneal leukoplakia, nasal congestion, and more.
(2) Effects of Zhi Yin Xue
1. Treating Abnormal Fetal Position
Zhi Yin Xue is commonly treated with moxibustion for abnormal fetal position. The success rate is highest for transverse position, followed by breech position, and lowest for footling position. The best results are achieved in multiparous women at 8 months of pregnancy with moderate abdominal tension and active fetal movement after moxibustion.
2. Treating Dysmenorrhea
Moxibustion on Zhi Yin Xue is used to treat cold-type dysmenorrhea. Moxibustion is applied to both sides of Zhi Yin Xue for 15-20 minutes, 3 days before the onset of menstruation, once a day, for one treatment course.
3. Treating Difficult Labor
In cases where the parturient has rheumatic heart disease and the use of oxytocin is ineffective, moxibustion is applied to Zhi Yin Xue with a moxa stick the size of a soapberry. Moxibustion is first applied to the left side. After 7 cones, uterine contractions begin, and the fetal position descends three fingers. After another 7 cones, delivery starts and the fetus is successfully delivered, ensuring the safety of both mother and child.
4. Treating Retained Placenta
Thirty cases of retained placenta were treated with acupuncture on Zhi Yin Xue. The acupoint was quickly punctured at 0.1-0.2 cun on Zhi Yin Xue, with gradually increasing stimulation. The needle was retained for 5-10 minutes, with a minimum of 3 minutes and a maximum of 10 minutes, and an average of 6-7 minutes for the placenta to be delivered.
5. Treating Urinary Retention after Hemorrhoid Surgery
Six hundred and thirty cases of urinary retention after hemorrhoid surgery were treated with acupuncture on Zhi Yin Xue. A 1-inch filiform needle was quickly inserted subcutaneously, and a strong stimulation technique of twisting and rotating was used to guide the needle from Zhi Yin Xue along the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, retaining the needle for 20 minutes. If there was no urination after the first needle insertion, the second needle insertion was performed after an interval of about 2 hours.
[Massage Method for Zhi Yin Xue]
(1) Acupuncture Method
1. Superficial puncture at 0.1 cun. Moxibustion is used for abnormal fetal position.
2. Puncture at 0.1-0.2 cun or until bleeding occurs, with local distension and pain.
(2) Moxibustion Method
1. Moxibustion with 3-7 cones or moxibustion with a moxa stick for 10-15 minutes.
2. Moxibustion with 3-5 cones and warm moxibustion with a moxa stick for 10-20 minutes.
Moxibustion is applied to Zhi Yin Xue once a day for 10-15 minutes each time to correct abnormal fetal position. The degree of effectiveness is determined by the reddening of the skin on the little toe. It is important to empty the bladder before moxibustion, loosen the belt, and encourage fetal movement.
[Benefits of Moxibustion on Zhi Yin Xue]
Correcting Fetal Position
Zhi Yin Xue is the most effective acupuncture point for correcting abnormal fetal position.
The best time for moxibustion treatment of abnormal fetal position is between the 30th and 34th weeks of pregnancy. After moxibustion, pregnant women feel an increase in fetal movement.
After moxibustion, the number of fetal movements increases. At this time, combined with the knee-chest position, the pregnant woman empties the bladder, loosens the belt, kneels on the bed, with both lower legs flat on the bed and slightly apart;
The thighs are perpendicular to the bed surface, the chest is close to the bed surface, the abdomen is suspended, the buttocks are raised, the head is turned to one side, the elbows are flexed, and the hands are placed on the side of the head. This position is maintained for 15 minutes twice a day.
This method uses the elevated buttocks of the pregnant woman to help the fetal buttocks exit the pelvis, making use of the change in fetal center of gravity to correct the fetal position. Moxibustion combined with the knee-chest position can correct fetal position in most cases, and it is simple, safe, and well received by pregnant women.
