Yì Míng (翳明) — Shielding Brightness
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1. Overview
Yì Míng (翳明) — literally Shielding Brightness — is an extra (EX) acupuncture point located just behind the ear. In acupuncture it is one of the most useful points for chronic insomnia with overactive thinking, and a key adjunct for tinnitus and chronic eye disorders.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use Yi Ming as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
1 cun posterior to TB 17 (Yifeng), on the posterior border of the mastoid process.
3. Actions
- Calms the Shen and promotes sleep
- Brightens the eyes
- Benefits the ears and treats tinnitus
4. Indications
- Chronic insomnia — especially with mental overactivity at bedtime
- Anxiety with disturbed sleep
- Tinnitus and deafness
- Myopia and chronic eye conditions
- Cataract (adjunctive)
- Optic atrophy (adjunctive)
- Vertigo and dizziness
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.5–1 cun, directing the needle slightly anterior toward the contralateral inner canthus.
6. Clinical notes
Yi Ming and An Mian are the two most useful local insomnia points. Both sit close to GB 20 and together they form a calming triad. For long-standing insomnia where the mind “won’t switch off” I combine Yi Ming with HT 7, KD 6 and Yin Tang.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use Yi Ming for chronic insomnia, sleep-onset difficulty, perimenopausal sleep disturbance and chronic tinnitus. Book a consultation in Wokingham, Berkshire.
