Taiyang Point (EX-HN5 / Sun)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Taiyang (EX-HN5 / Sun). Learn its benefits for headache, red eyes, toothache, and facial paralysis – the extraordinary point for relieving pain – plus classic combinations for different headache types.
Indications
Clears the liver and brightens the eyes, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. Treats red painful eyes, headache (migraine, frontal headache, occipital headache), dizziness, toothache, facial paralysis (facial deviation), and trigeminal neuralgia.
Precise Location
In the temporal region, in the depression approximately one finger-width posterior to the midpoint between the lateral end of the eyebrow and the outer canthus.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. Locate the depression approximately one finger-width (about 1 cun) posterior to the midpoint between the lateral end of the eyebrow and the outer canthus – firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
Press and knead with the index or middle finger pad for 1–3 minutes per session until a local sore and distending sensation is felt. Alternatively, use both thumb pads to massage both Taiyang points simultaneously – knead clockwise and counterclockwise 20–30 circles each. Therapeutic actions: Clears the liver and brightens the eyes, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, and clears heat and disperses wind.
Compatibility
Wind-cold headache (with chills, fever, and neck pain): Combine with Fengmen (BL-12) and Hegu (LI-4). Wind-heat headache (with fever, aversion to wind, and sore throat): Combine with Dazhui (GV-14) and Quchi (LI-11). Wind-damp headache (with heavy head sensation and limb heaviness): Combine with Touwei (ST-8) and Yinlingquan (SP-9). Yangming headache (frontal headache): Combine with Cuanzhu (BL-2), Hegu (LI-4), and Neiting (ST-44). Shaoyang headache (temporal headache): Combine with Shuaigu (GB-8), Waiguan (TE-5), and Zulinqi (GB-41). Taiyang headache (occipital headache): Combine with Tianzhu (BL-10), Houxi (SI-3), and Shenmai (BL-62). Jueyin headache (vertex headache): Combine with Sishencong (EX-HN1), Taichong (LR-3), and Neiguan (PC-6). Red painful eyes: Combine with Jingming (BL-1) and Cuanzhu (BL-2). Toothache: Combine with Xiaguan (ST-7), Jiache (ST-6), and Hegu (LI-4).
Efficacy & Actions
This is an extraordinary point located in the temporal region between the lateral end of the eyebrow and the outer canthus. It clears the liver and brightens the eyes, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, and clears heat and disperses wind. It is a commonly used key point for treating headache and eye disorders. First documented in the Beiji Qianjin Yaofang. "Tai" means great or supreme; "Yang" refers to yang qi. Located on both sides of the head, this point is where yang qi gathers – hence the name Taiyang (Sun).
Contraindications
Located in the temporal region, pressure should be gentle and not too heavy. Needling should avoid the artery and should not be too deep.
