Taiyang — Tài Yáng (太阳) — Supreme Yang
On this page
1. Overview
Taiyang — Tài Yáng (太阳) — is an acupuncture point on the Extra point (temporal region) meridian. Its English name, Supreme Yang, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I practise at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
In the depression approximately 1 cun posterior to the midpoint between the lateral end of the eyebrow and the outer canthus of the eye.
3. Actions
- Most important local point for temporal headache and migraine
- Clears Heat and brightens the eyes
- Reduces swelling and pain
4. Indications
- Temporal headache and migraine — the primary point
- Eye disorders — red, painful or tired eyes
- Facial paralysis at the temple
- Toothache
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.3–0.5 cun, or prick to bleed with a lancet for acute headache.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
Taiyang is one of the most widely used extra points and is virtually synonymous with temporal headache. Almost every patient with temple-area headache receives Taiyang. Bloodletting at Taiyang — pricking to allow several drops of dark blood — produces dramatic rapid relief for acute temporal headache from Blood stasis or Heat.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use Taiyang as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Headaches, Migraines. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
