Lianquan Point (RN-23 / Edge Spring, also known as Benchi, Sheben)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Lianquan (RN-23 / Edge Spring). Learn its benefits for sore throat, tongue disorders, and aphonia – the meeting point of Ren and Yin Wei – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Sore throat, sublingual swelling and pain, flaccid tongue with drooling, stiff tongue with inability to speak, sudden loss of voice (aphonia), oral ulcers, and post-stroke stiff tongue with speech difficulty.
Precise Location
In the anterior cervical region, above the laryngeal prominence, in the depression at the upper border of the hyoid bone, on the anterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright with the head leaning back. On the anterior midline of the neck, in the depression at the intersection of the transverse crease above the laryngeal prominence and the midline – that is the point.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Lianquan with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat sore throat. Therapeutic actions: Benefits the throat and restores the voice, transforms phlegm and stops cough, unblocks the collaterals and activates the tongue, and clears heat and removes toxins.
Compatibility
Tonsillitis and acute/chronic pharyngitis: Combine with Shaoshang (LU-11) and Hegu (LI-4). Stiff tongue and sudden aphonia: Combine with Yamen (GV-15) and Tongli (HT-5). Oral ulcers: Combine with Chengjiang (RN-24), Jinjin (EX-HN12), and Yuye (EX-HN13). Flaccid tongue with drooling: Combine with Dicang (ST-4) and Jiache (ST-6). Post-stroke stiff tongue with speech difficulty: Combine with Fengfu (GV-16) and Yamen (GV-15).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai) and is the meeting point of the Ren Mai and the Yin Wei Vessel. It benefits the throat and restores the voice, transforms phlegm and stops cough, unblocks the collaterals and activates the tongue, and clears heat and removes toxins. It is a commonly used key point for treating throat and tongue disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Lian" refers to the edge or corner; "Quan" means spring. Located at the upper border of the hyoid bone above the laryngeal prominence, like the source of a spring – hence the name Lianquan (Edge Spring). It is also known as "Benchi" and "Sheben."
