Yintang — Yìn Táng (印堂) — Hall of Impression
On this page
1. Overview
Yintang — Yìn Táng (印堂) — is an acupuncture point on the Extra point (between GV 23 and GV 24, on the midline) meridian. Its English name, Hall of Impression, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of 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 use Yintang as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
At the midpoint between the medial ends of the two eyebrows.
3. Actions
- Calms the Mind and settles anxiety
- Promotes sleep
- Opens the nasal passages
- Clears the head and improves focus
- Eliminates Wind and relieves pain
4. Indications
- Anxiety, restlessness and stress
- Insomnia
- Frontal headache
- Nasal congestion and sinusitis
- Dizziness and vertigo
- Nasal discharge and rhinitis
5. Needling
Transverse inferior insertion 0.3–0.5 cun, or subcutaneous insertion. Often left at a very shallow depth and simply used for its calming effect.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
Yintang is one of the most widely recognised acupuncture points in the world and is used in virtually every treatment to calm the Mind and help the patient settle into the treatment. Its location between the eyebrows — the so-called 'third eye' — makes it a powerful point for both mental and neurological conditions. Needle insertion is transverse and inferior, following the direction of the Governing Vessel. Combined with GV 20 and HT 7 it forms a powerful Mind-settling combination for anxiety, insomnia and panic. It is also one of the most important points for frontal headache and nasal disorders.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use Yintang as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Anxiety, Insomnia, Stress, Headaches, Allergies. 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.
