Yiming Point (EX-HN14 / Brightening)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Yiming (EX-HN14 / Brightening). Learn its benefits for eye disorders, cataracts, optic atrophy, tinnitus, and insomnia – the extraordinary point for brightening the eyes – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Brightens the eyes and sharpens hearing, calms the spirit and soothes the mind. Treats eye disorders, myopia, early-stage cataracts, optic atrophy, tinnitus, insomnia, dizziness, and headache (migraine, occipital headache).
Precise Location
On the neck, 1 cun posterior to Yifeng (TE-17).
Location Method
Sit upright or lie laterally. First locate Yifeng (TE-17, behind the earlobe, anterior to the lower end of the mastoid process) – measure 1 finger-width (approximately 1 cun) posteriorly; firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
Bring the index and middle fingers together and tap/press Yiming with the fingertips 100 times – this brightens the eyes and calms the spirit. Daily massage prevents and treats eye disorders. A sore-distending sensation radiating to the eyes is optimal. Therapeutic actions: Brightens the eyes and sharpens hearing, calms the spirit and soothes the mind.
Compatibility
Early-stage cataracts: Combine with Qiuhou (EX-HN7) and Jingming (BL-1). Insomnia: Combine with Yintang (EX-HN3), Neiguan (PC-6), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Optic atrophy: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Shangjingming (BL-1), and Qiuhou (EX-HN7). Tinnitus: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Yifeng (TE-17), and Zhongzhu (TE-3). Myopia: Combine with Jingming (BL-1), Chengqi (ST-1), and Sibai (ST-2). Headache and dizziness: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), and Baihui (GV-20).
Efficacy & Actions
This is an extraordinary point located 1 cun posterior to Yifeng (TE-17) on the neck. It brightens the eyes and sharpens hearing, and calms the spirit and soothes the mind. It is a commonly used key point for treating eye disorders, tinnitus, and insomnia. First documented in the Zhenjiu Jingwai Qixue Zhiliao Jue (Treatment Methods for Extraordinary Points). "Yi" means to obscure or screen; "Ming" means brightness. Located behind Yifeng, this point unblocks the orifices, brightens the eyes, sharpens hearing, and calms the spirit – restoring brightness to the obscured – hence the name Yiming (Brightening). Yiming is a commonly used point for ophthalmology and ENT, effective for eye disorders, tinnitus, and insomnia. It is often combined with Jingming (BL-1), Fengchi (GB-20), and Qiuhou (EX-HN7).
Contraindications
Located on the neck near the skull base – needling angle and depth should be carefully controlled, generally 0.5–1 cun vertically without deep insertion. Moxibustion is permissible. Massage pressure should be moderate, not too heavy.
