Hanyan Point (GB-4 / Jaw Pressure)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Hanyan (GB-4 / Jaw Pressure). Learn its benefits for headache, dizziness, tinnitus, deafness, and eye pain – the meeting point of Gallbladder, Sanjiao, and Stomach – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Headache and dizziness (migraine, vertigo), tinnitus, deafness, pain at the outer canthus, toothache, convulsions, and stiff painful neck.
Precise Location
On the head, at the junction of the upper 1/4 and lower 3/4 of the curved line connecting Touwei (ST-8) and Qubin (GB-7) (the curvature corresponds to the temporal hairline).
Location Method
Sit upright or lie laterally. First locate Touwei (ST-8, 0.5 cun above the forehead hairline) and Qubin (GB-7, approximately 1 cun anterior to Jiaosun in the temporal hair). The point is at the junction of the upper 1/4 and lower 3/4 of the curved line connecting these two points – firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Hanyan with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat headache and tinnitus. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and disperses wind, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, and clears the head and sharpens hearing.
Compatibility
Migraine and vertigo: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), and Shuaigu (GB-8). Tinnitus and deafness: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Tinghui (GB-2), and Yifeng (TE-17). Pain at the outer canthus: Combine with Tongziliao (GB-1) and Taiyang (EX-HN5). Stiff painful neck: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20) and Tianzhu (BL-10). Toothache: Combine with Xiaguan (ST-7), Jiache (ST-6), and Hegu (LI-4).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the meeting point of the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, and Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. It clears heat and disperses wind, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, and clears the head and sharpens hearing. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, and ear disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Han" refers to the jaw and chin; "Yan" means to press or reject. Located in the temporal region, this point is where Gallbladder Meridian qi ascends to the head and face – hence the name Hanyan (Jaw Pressure).
