Renying Point (ST-9 / Human Welcome, also known as Tianwuhui, Wuhui)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Renying (ST-9 / Human Welcome). Learn its benefits for hypertension, sore throat, wheezing, and goiter, plus facial slimming effects and classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Hypertension, sore throat, wheezing (asthma), scrofula (cervical lymphadenopathy), and goiter.
Precise Location
On the neck, beside the Adam's apple, at the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, at the pulsation of the common carotid artery.
Location Method
Sit upright or recline with the head slightly raised. Bend the thumb and little finger, straighten and bring the three middle fingers together – place the ring finger beside the Adam's apple; the point is where the index finger pad rests.
Massage Method
Massage: Lightly push from Yifeng (TE-17) toward Renying with the thumb 10 times, only on one side, once every other day. Gently press Renying up and down with the thumb pad for 1–3 minutes on each side per session. Therapeutic actions: Benefits the throat and disperses nodules, regulates qi and descends rebellious qi.
Compatibility
Sore throat: Combine with Dazhui (GV-14), Renying (ST-9), and Hegu (LI-4). Disease overview: Sore throat is characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and difficulty swallowing – also known as "throat obstruction" (喉痹). It corresponds to acute tonsillitis, acute pharyngitis, simple laryngitis, and peritonsillar abscess in Western medicine. Massage sequence: First massage Dazhui (in the depression below the 7th cervical spinous process) for 2 minutes, then knead Renying with the index finger pad for 1 minute, finally press Hegu on the hand 20 times. Wheezing (asthma): Combine with Dazhui (GV-14), Renying (ST-9), Shufu (KI-27), and Yuzhong (KI-26). Hypertension: Combine with Renying (ST-9), Dazhui (GV-14), and Taichong (LR-3).
Efficacy & Actions
Modern women desire slim faces, firm facial skin, and a single chin. Many spend considerable amounts on high-end skincare products, visit beauty salons regularly for facials and massages, or even undergo surgery. According to TCM clinical theory, consistent daily pressure on this point can effortlessly achieve beautifying effects. This point belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian and is the meeting point of the Stomach Meridian and the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. It benefits the throat and disperses nodules, regulates qi and descends rebellious qi. It is a commonly used point for treating throat disorders, thyroid disorders, and hypertension. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Ren" means human; "Ying" means to welcome or receive. Located beside the Adam's apple at the pulsation of the carotid artery, where it receives stomach meridian qi – hence the name Renying (Human Welcome). It is also known as "Tianwuhui" and "Wuhui."
Contraindications
As this point is located at the carotid artery pulsation, manipulation should be gentle – avoid heavy pressure or excessive force to prevent compression of the carotid artery causing dizziness or discomfort. Needling should avoid the carotid artery and should not be too deep.
