Haiquan Point (EX-HN11 / Sea Spring)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Haiquan (EX-HN11 / Sea Spring). Learn its benefits for tongue disorders, throat obstruction, hiccups, and diabetes – the extraordinary point beneath the tongue – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Dispels pathogens and opens the orifices, promotes fluid production and quenches thirst, unblocks the throat, descends rebellious qi and stops vomiting. Treats flaccid tongue (sluggish tongue movement), sublingual swelling (swelling beneath the tongue), throat obstruction (sore throat with closure), vomiting, hiccups, diarrhea, and diabetes (polydipsia).
Precise Location
Inside the oral cavity, at the midpoint of the sublingual frenulum.
Location Method
Sit upright with the mouth open and the tongue rolled upward to expose the sublingual frenulum – the point is at the midpoint of the frenulum.
Massage Method
Use sterilized gauze to wrap the index finger and gently press and knead the midpoint of the sublingual frenulum for 1–2 minutes. Alternatively, press the tip of the tongue against the palate to tense the frenulum, then gently knead with a clean finger. Hands must be thoroughly cleaned before and after manipulation to prevent infection. Therapeutic actions: Dispels pathogens and opens the orifices, promotes fluid production and quenches thirst, unblocks the throat, descends rebellious qi and stops vomiting.
Compatibility
Sublingual swelling: Combine with Shixuan (EX-UE11), Jinjin (EX-HN12), and Yuye (EX-HN13). Unilateral tonsillitis: Combine with Shaoshang (LU-11) and Hegu (LI-4). Hiccups: Combine with Juquan (EX-HN10). Diabetes: Combine with Pishu (BL-20), Jinjin (EX-HN12), and Yuye (EX-HN13). Vomiting and diarrhea: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6), Zhongwan (RN-12), and Zusanli (ST-36).
Efficacy & Actions
This is an extraordinary point located at the midpoint of the sublingual frenulum. It dispels pathogens and opens the orifices, promotes fluid production and quenches thirst, unblocks the throat, and descends rebellious qi and stops vomiting. It is a commonly used key point for treating tongue, throat, and digestive system disorders. First documented in the Zhenjiu Daquan (Compendium of Acupuncture). "Hai" refers to the sea and body fluids; "Quan" means spring. Located beneath the tongue, where fluids gather – hence the name Haiquan (Sea Spring). Located on the sublingual frenulum, Haiquan is connected to the Ren Mai and Kidney Meridian. Needling regulates body fluids, opens the orifices, and benefits the throat. It is often combined with Jinjin (EX-HN12) and Yuye (EX-HN13) for tongue, throat, and diabetes-related disorders.
Contraindications
Located inside the oral cavity – strict disinfection is required to prevent infection. Needling should not be too deep to avoid injury to the sublingual vessels and frenulum. Use with caution in pregnant women. Manipulation should be gentle to prevent triggering the gag reflex.
