Directing Vessel

Yinjiao REN-7

Chinese: 阴交

Pinyin: Yīn Jiāo

Location

On the midline of the abdomen, 1 cun below the umbilicus. 

How to locate

On the midline of the lower abdomen, divide the distance between the umbilicus and the upper border of the pubic symphysis into 5 cun. Yinjiao REN-7 is located 1 cun below umbilicus and 4 cun above the upper border of the pubic symphysis. 

Main actions

  1. Regulates menstruation
  2. Regulates the Penetrating Vessel and the Uterus
  3. Regulates Qi in the abdomen and genital area
  4. Nourishes Yin

Indications

Amenorrhea Chest pain Infertility Abdomen pain Constipation Heavy periods Shan disorder Painful period Umbilical pain Abdominal masses Hypogastric pain Genitalia itching Urinary retention Testicle retraction Menopausal symptoms Irregular menstruation

Needling

Vertically 0.5-1 cun. 

Caution: be careful with Peritoneum. Take great care during pregnancy. 

Commentary for Yinjiao REN-7

This point is the meeting place of the Directing and Penetrating Vessels as well as of the Liver and Kidney Channels. Therefore, a large amount of Yin Qi concentrates there, then this Qi intersects with the Original Yang Qi, according to the book  ‘A Study of Acupuncture’. 

This Yin Qi also meets Tian Gui Essence which is the base for menstrual blood in women and sperm in men.  At this point, the Directing Vessel Essence mixes with the descending Yang Qi, while Water separates upwards. Then the Original Yin infuses into the Lower Dan Tian, where Water and Fire cross. This is how the name 'Yin Crossing' come from. 

Based on above theory, Yinjiao REN-7 is very effective in regulating menstruation and the Uterus in two ways. Firstly, as a Directing Vessel point, it benefits the Uterus so as to treat irregular or heavy periods as well as infertility. Secondly, as the meeting point with Penetrating Vessel, it can remove Blood Stagnation so as to ease period cramp. 

It can also treat a large range of Shan disorder (Hernial and Genitourinary) of the Bladder and genitalia by expelling Dampness from the Lower Burner. Therefore, it treats symptoms such as testicle retraction or genitalia itching.

Finally, Yinjiao REN-7 also treats various menopausal symptoms as it nourishes the Kidney Yin.