Directing Vessel

Huiyin REN-1

Chinese: 会阴

Pinyin: Huì Yīn

Location

In the center of the perineum.

How to locate

For men, it is the midway between the anus and the scrotum. For women, it is the midway between the anus and the posterior labial commissure. 

Main actions

  1. Regulates the two lower orifices and genitalia
  2. Clears Dampness
  3. Restores consciousness
  4. Opens the Mind orifices and calms the Mind
  5. Nourishes Yin

Indications

Coma Enuresis Impotence Anus pain Depression Turbid urine Haemorrhoids Urethra pain Vulva swollen Perineum pain Shan disorder Rectum prolapse Testicle swollen Perineum itching Vagina discharge Urinary difficulty Genitalia sweating

Needling

Vertically 0.5-1 cun. 

Caution: Forbidden to use during pregnancy. Good hygiene to avoid infection. Some classic books don't recommend needling in this point. 

Commentary for Huiyin REN-1

Three of the Extraordinary Vessels, Directing, Governing and Penetrating Vessels （Ren Mai, Du Mai and Chong Mai), meets at Huiyin REN-1 from the Interior. In fact, this is how REN-1 gets its name 'meeting of Yin'. Therefore, it is a multifunction point, which is very effective in invigorating Qi and Blood as well as subduing Rebellious Qi in case of mental issues. 

Despite its being part of Directing Vessel, some of its symptoms indicate Governing Vessel disharmony, such as epilepsy, depression, haemorrhoids or prolapse of anus. 

REN-1 can be used to clear Dampness of the genital area, urethra and anus, so as to treat vaginal discharge, pruritus vulvae or itching of scrotum, urinary difficulty, difficulty in defecation and etc.

REN-1 calms the Mind and open the Mind's orifices as well, so as to treat manic depression. It can also be applied to restore consciousness, especially after drowning. 

Finally, it nourishes Yin and Kidney Essence. The related symptoms are incontinence, enuresis or nocturnal emissions due to Yin Deficiency.