Yinjiao Point (GV-28 / DU-28)
GV-28 (Yinjiao) – Governor Vessel point at the junction of the upper lip frenulum and gum. Clears heat, reduces swelling, calms spirit, relieves spasms. Indicated for mania, hysteria, coma & shock. Prick bloodlet (1–2mL) or press for emergencies. Combines with GV-16 for stiff neck, CV-24 for halitosis. No moxa. Contraindicated in pregnancy & bleeding disorders.
Indications
Mania, restlessness (vexation), hysteria, coma, shock.
Precise Location
Inside the upper lip, at the junction where the upper lip frenulum meets the upper gum.
Location Method
Sit upright or lean back; lift the upper lip and locate the point at the junction where the upper lip frenulum transitions to the gum. Anatomy: Located at the transition between the upper lip frenulum and the gum; deep to the orbicularis oris muscle and the alveolar arch of the maxilla. Local branches of the superior labial artery and vein are distributed in this area.
Massage Method
Bloodletting: Prick the point with a three-edged needle to draw 1–2 mL of blood. Press and stimulate Yinjiao with a sterilized massage stick to treat coma and shock.
Compatibility
Stiff neck and inability to turn the head: Combine with Fengfu (GV-16). Halitosis: Combine with Chengjiang (CV-24). Trismus (locked jaw): Combine with Shangguan (GB-3), Daying (ST-5), and Yifeng (TE-17). Swollen and painful gums, facial deviation, and trismus: Combine with Hegu (LI-4). Stiff neck pain: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26). Locked jaw/limited mouth opening: Combine with Dicang (ST-4). Bleeding gums: Combine with Jiache (ST-6). Nasal polyps: Combine with Yingxiang (LI-20).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Governor Vessel (Du Mai) and is the converging point of the Du Mai, the Ren Mai, and the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. It clears heat, reduces swelling, calms the spirit, relieves spasms, drains fire, opens the orifices, and brightens the eyes. Its core actions include: draining Yangming meridian heat to directly reduce swelling of the gums, ulcers, and other oral inflammations; regulating the Du and Ren meridians to alleviate nasal congestion and headache caused by sinusitis; and awakening the brain and opening the orifices—combined with Shuigou (GV-26) to improve aphasia with stiff tongue in stroke patients.
Contraindications
Moxibustion is contraindicated for this point. Standard needling: insert obliquely upward 0.2–0.3 cun, or use a three-edged needle for pricking/teasing bloodletting. When pricking, insert on the side of the frenulum—do not cut through the frenulum. Apply gentle pressure with a cotton ball after needling to prevent oozing. Bloodletting therapy is contraindicated in patients with bleeding tendencies. Contraindicated during pregnancy and in patients with coagulation disorders. Avoid strong stimulation in pregnant women and patients with acute oral infections.
