Yaoyan Point (EX-B7 / Lumbar Eye)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Yaoyan (EX-B7 / Lumbar Eye). Learn its benefits for lumbar pain, frequent urination, irregular menstruation, and spermatorrhea – the extraordinary point for strengthening the kidneys – plus classic combinations and health preservation benefits.
Indications
Strengthens the lumbar region and tonifies the kidney, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea, consolidates essence and benefits the kidney. Treats lumbar pain, frequent urination, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, spermatorrhea, lumbar soreness and weakness, and various kidney deficiency disorders (tinnitus, dizziness, lumbar and knee soreness).
Precise Location
In the lumbar region, in the depression approximately 3.5 cun lateral to the depression below the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. First locate the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra (approximately at the level of the iliac crests), then measure approximately 3.5 cun (about 5 finger-widths) laterally to the depression – that is the point. One point on each side.
Massage Method
Rub the waist and sacrococcygeal area with the palm root or palm center until local warmth is felt – 3–5 minutes per session, 1–2 times daily. Rubbing the waist and sacrococcygeal area unblocks the Belt Vessel, strengthens the lumbar spine, consolidates essence, benefits the kidney, and promotes longevity. Mild-warm moxa may also be applied for 10–15 minutes per point. Therapeutic actions: Strengthens the lumbar region and tonifies the kidney, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea, consolidates essence and benefits the kidney.
Compatibility
Lumbar pain and lumbar muscle strain: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23) and Weizhong (BL-40). Frequent urination: Combine with Zhongji (RN-3), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Pangguangshu (BL-28). Irregular menstruation: Combine with Guanyuan (RN-4), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Xuehai (SP-10). Spermatorrhea: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Zhishi (BL-52), and Taixi (KI-3). Leukorrhea: Combine with Daimai (GB-26), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Baihuanshu (BL-30). Kidney-deficiency tinnitus and dizziness: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Taixi (KI-3), and Tinggong (SI-19).
Efficacy & Actions
This is an extraordinary point located in the depression approximately 3.5 cun lateral to the depression below the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra. It strengthens the lumbar region and tonifies the kidney, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea, and consolidates essence and benefits the kidney. It is a commonly used key point for treating lumbar pain and kidney deficiency disorders. First documented in the Waitai Miyao (Medical Secrets from the Outer Terrace). "Yao" refers to the lumbar region; "Yan" means eye or depression. Located in a depression of the lumbar muscles resembling an eye socket – hence the name Yaoyan (Lumbar Eye). Yaoyan is an experienced effective point for treating lumbar pain and kidney deficiency disorders, and is also commonly used for daily health preservation. Rubbing the waist and sacrococcygeal area with the palm not only unblocks the Belt Vessel and strengthens the lumbar spine, but also consolidates essence, benefits the kidney, and promotes longevity.
Contraindications
Located in the lumbar region – needling depth and angle should be carefully controlled, generally 0.5–1 cun vertically, avoiding deep insertion to prevent internal organ injury. Moxibustion is permissible. Use with caution in pregnant women.
