Yinbao Point (LR-9 / Yin Embrace)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Yinbao (LR-9 / Yin Embrace). Learn its benefits for irregular menstruation, lumbosacral pain, lower abdominal pain, and urinary disorders – the Liver meridian point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Irregular menstruation, lumbosacral pain, lower abdominal pain, enuresis, urinary retention, difficult urination, hernia, and lower abdominal pain.
Precise Location
In the anterior femoral region, 4 cun above the base of the patella, between the vastus medialis muscle and the sartorius muscle.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. On the medial thigh, locate the bony landmark at the upper medial end of the knee (medial epicondyle of the femur) – measure 4 cun (approximately 5 finger-widths) directly upward, in the depression between the vastus medialis and sartorius muscles, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Yinbao with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat lower abdominal pain and irregular menstruation. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the liver and regulates qi, regulates menstruation and relieves pain, unblocks and benefits the lower jiao, and relaxs the sinews and unblocks the collaterals.
Compatibility
Irregular menstruation and lower abdominal pain: Combine with Guanyuan (RN-4) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Lumbosacral pain: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Dachangshu (BL-25), and Weizhong (BL-40). Enuresis and urinary retention: Combine with Zhongji (RN-3), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Pangguangshu (BL-28). Hernia: Combine with Dadun (LR-1), Guilai (ST-29), and Taichong (LR-3). Lower abdominal pain: Combine with Qihai (RN-6) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian. It soothes the liver and regulates qi, regulates menstruation and relieves pain, unblocks and benefits the lower jiao, and relaxs the sinews and unblocks the collaterals. It is a commonly used key point for treating gynecological and lumbar-abdominal disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Yin" refers to the yin meridians and the medial side; "Bao" means to embrace or contain. Located on the medial thigh, this point is where Liver Meridian qi embraces and converges – hence the name Yinbao (Yin Embrace).
