魚腰 : Yuyao : Fish Waist

Location Guides:

Location:

In the centre of the eyebrow, in the depression directly above the pupil when the eyes are looking straight forward. Traditionally located lateral to the supraorbital notch from which the supraorbital nerve emerges.

Needling:

Transverse insertion medially or laterally 0.5 - 1 cun

TCM Actions:

Benefits the eyes
Relaxes the sinews and alleviates pain

TCM Indications:

• Redness, swelling and pain of the eyes, Superficial Visual Obstruction, twitching of the eyelids, drooping of the eyelid, frontal headache.

Neuroanatomy:

Superficial Innervation: Supraorbital nerve, branch of frontal nerve from ophthalamic branch of trigeminal (CN V1)

Dermatome Segment: CN V1 ophthalamic branch of trigeminal

Martial Applications & Effects of Injury:

See Montaigue, Dim Mak Locations, Taijiworld.com for explanation of effects.

Notes:

The trigger point for the orbicularis oculi muscle lies slightly inferior and lateral to this point (Travell & Simons, 1998, Trigger Point Manual)

Lad and Durve (2008) in Marma Points of Ayurveda locate a point slightly above this called Bhruh Madhya and associate it with the doshas: Alochaka Pitta, Sadhaka Pitta, Vyana Vayu, Tarpaka Kapha.

They give the following actions:
- Benefits eyes, enhances circulation of aqueous and vitreous humor
- Relieves headaches
- Enhances circulation in frontal lobe of brain
- Releases suppressed emotions in the form of tears
- Relieves stress, calms the mind

They also locate a point slightly below called Ashru Madhya associated with Alochaka Pitta, Sadhaka Pitta, Vyana Vayu amd Tarpaka Kapha.

They give the following actions:
- Stimulates lacrimal secretion
- Releases suppressed emotions
- Relieves headaches
- Benefits eyes
- Relieves stress, clams the mind, balances emotions

In Tibetan medicine:
Moxa point (AMNH, Tibetan Medical Paintings)

In Thai massage:
Acupressure point indicated for gastrointestinal ailments and sinus complaints (Salguero & Roylance, 2011, Encyclopedia of Thai Massage)

Reference Notes:

Basic information on location, needle depth, TCM actions, indications and combinations is taken from Deadman et al (2001): A Manual of Acupuncture with additional anatomical information researched by reference to Gray's Anatomy (38th Ed., 1995) unless otherwise referenced. Images were found on acupunctureschoolonline.com and can be traced back to Claudia Focks (2008) Atlas of Acupuncture originally. I cannot claim any credit or rights over them. Other sources should be quoted in the text.

For some of the more unusual terms I have created a glossary here