Yamen Acupoint "Qi Holes Theory" from the Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon
Yamen Acupoint - Body Chart (Click to enlarge)
【Location】Located at the back of the head, directly above the midline of the occiput, 0.5 inches below the first cervical vertebra.
【Anatomy】Located between the first and second cervical vertebrae, within the ligaments and muscles of the occiput. The deep layers consist of the ligamentum flavum and the spinal cord. It is also connected to the occipital and vertebral veins, as well as the third cervical nerve and the branches of the greater occipital nerve.
【Indications】Slurred speech, sudden muteness, stiff and hyperextended spine, mania, epilepsy, severe tongue stiffness, inability to speak.
【Procedure】The patient should sit upright with the head slightly tilted forward, and the muscles of the neck relaxed. Insert the needle slowly in a downward direction, 0.5 to 1 inch deep. Avoid inserting the needle at an upward or oblique angle.
【Combination】For treating deafness caused by high fever or malaria, combine with Xieyamen, Tinghui, Waiguan (or Zhongzhu). For treating tongue stiffness, sudden muteness, and pharyngitis, combine with Renzhong and Lianquan. For treating mania and epilepsy, combine with Baihui, Renzhong, Fenglong, and Houxi. For treating aphasia and unconsciousness caused by stroke, combine with Fengchi and Fengfu. For reviving consciousness and treating fainting, use the nine needles of Huagong, Sanyinjiao, and Yongquan. For treating developmental brain disorders, combine with NaoHu, Baihui, Fengchi, Taixi, Kunlun, and Shenshu. For treating anemia, use Yamen, Shenshu, and Taixi.
【Note】The Du meridian intersects with the Yangwei meridian at this acupoint. As it is close to the medulla oblongata, it is crucial to strictly control the angle and depth of needle insertion.
