Yifeng Point (TE-17 / Wind Screen, also known as Erhouxianzhong)
Dispels wind and unblocks the collaterals, clears heat and descends rebellious qi, opens the orifices and sharpens hearing. Based on its properties, it is clinically used for tinnitus, deafness, facial paralysis, facial spasm, toothache, and diaphragmatic spasm.
Indications
Tinnitus, deafness, otitis media, facial deviation (facial paralysis), toothache, and cheek swelling. (1) Ear disorders: Tinnitus, deafness, purulent otitis media. (2) Facial disorders: Trigeminal neuralgia, facial paralysis, facial spasm, trismus, toothache. (3) Others: Hiccups, mumps, scrofula, etc.
Precise Location
Behind the earlobe, in the depression anterior to the lower end of the mastoid process.
Location Method
Turn the head to one side and press the earlobe downward – the point is in the depression covered by the earlobe.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Yifeng with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat trismus (locked jaw). Therapeutic actions: Dispels wind and unblocks the collaterals, clears heat and descends rebellious qi, opens the orifices and sharpens hearing.
Compatibility
Trismus: Combine with Dicang (ST-4), Chengjiang (RN-24), Shuigou (GV-26), and Hegu (LI-4). Tinnitus and deafness due to wind-heat: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Tinghui (GB-2), and Waiguan (TE-5). Tinnitus and deafness due to liver-gallbladder fire: Combine with Tinghui (GB-2), Ermen (TE-21), Xingjian (LR-2), and Xiaxi (GB-43). Hiccups: Combine with Neiguan (PC-6) and Tanzhong (RN-17). Cheek swelling: Combine with Xiaguan (ST-7), Jiache (ST-6), and Hegu (LI-4). Stomach fire toothache: Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Neiting (ST-44), and Jiache (ST-6). Toothache due to deficiency fire ascending: Combine with Fuliu (KI-7) and Taixi (KI-3). Facial paralysis: Combine with Dicang (ST-4), Jiache (ST-6), Xiaguan (ST-7), Sibai (ST-2), and Hegu (LI-4). Sore throat: Combine with Hegu (LI-4) and Daying (ST-5). Mumps: Combine with Jiaosun (TE-20). Postauricular pain: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20) and Shuaigu (GB-8).
Efficacy & Actions
Yifeng belongs to the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian and is the meeting point of the Hand and Foot Shaoyang meridians. It dispels wind and clears heat, and sharpens hearing and opens the orifices. It is a commonly used point for treating Shaoyang excess-heat patterns of the head and face, with reducing technique commonly used. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Yi" originally referred to a feather fan, meaning to cover or screen. Located in front of Fengchi at the root of the ear, concealed by the earlobe – hence "Yi." "Feng" refers to wind pathogens; this point can dispel wind-related disorders – hence the name Yifeng (Wind Screen). It is also known as "Erhouxianzhong." (1) Key Point for Ear Disorders: As the meeting point of the Hand and Foot Shaoyang meridians – both enter the ear from behind – and located behind the ear, needling regulates the qi of both meridians and directly improves qi and blood circulation in the ear, dispelling wind, clearing heat, and opening the ear orifices. The Yulong Ge states: "Deafness with qi blockage and unbearable pain – needling Yifeng brings recovery." It is a specific local point for treating ear disorders. (2) Primary Point for Facial Disorders: Facial paralysis and facial spasm are often caused by insufficient qi and blood in the face, allowing wind pathogens to invade the facial sinews, causing qi-blood stagnation. Yifeng has strong wind-dispelling and collateral-unblocking effects, effectively removing facial wind pathogens, improving facial qi-blood circulation, and promoting recovery of facial nerve injury. The Zhenjiu Jiayijing records: "Facial deviation, dislocation of the jaw, and trismus – Yifeng is the primary point." (3) Effective Point for Hiccups: As a Sanjiao Meridian point, it regulates Sanjiao qi. Hiccups are caused by stomach qi counterflow – needling or pressing Yifeng treats hiccups by regulating Sanjiao qi. Modern research shows that the facial nerve, vagus nerve, and greater auricular nerve are distributed deep to Yifeng – stimulating this point reflexively inhibits abnormal vagus and diaphragmatic excitability, relieving diaphragmatic spasm. Pressing with both thumbs firmly until a distending painful sensation is felt – simple, convenient, safe, and reliable. (4) Effective Point for Wind-Fire Toothache: This is the clinical experience of many acupuncture masters including Peng Jingshan, Wang Qicai, and Gao Shuzhong. As a Sanjiao Meridian point, Yifeng drains Sanjiao fire and dispels wind – needling reaches the affected area directly to eliminate wind-fire and stop toothache. Wind-fire toothache corresponds to acute pulpitis and periapical periodontitis in Western medicine.
Contraindications
Reducing technique is generally used; needling direction should be based on the affected area. Lifting-thrusting should be avoided, withdrawal should be slow, and bleeding should be prevented. Moxibustion is generally not recommended for this point.
