Yintang (EX-HN3 / Hall of Impression)

Practitioner Guide from The Acupuncture Supply Co.
Professional acupuncture supplies and practical clinical resources for qualified practitioners in Ireland and across Europe.

Yintang, commonly designated EX-HN3 and translated as “Hall of Impression”, is an extra point on the anterior midline of the face. Although it lies on the course of the Governing Vessel, it is traditionally classified as an extraordinary head-and-neck point. It is widely selected in traditional practice to calm the Shen, benefit the nose, ease frontal head discomfort and pacify Wind when pattern differentiation supports its use.

Yintang is superficially located but sits close to the eyes and superficial vessels. Accurate location, controlled shallow technique and awareness of bruising risk are essential. This guide is for trained practitioners and is not a self-needling instruction.

Yintang EX-HN3 quick reference

Point name	Yintang — EX-HN3 (“Hall of Impression”)
Classification	Extraordinary point of the head and neck
Region	Glabella
Laterality	Single midline point
Core landmark	Midway between the medial ends of the eyebrows
Traditional emphasis	Calms the Shen, benefits the nose, pacifies Wind and eases pain

Location of Yintang

Yintang is located at the glabella, on the anterior midline, midway between the medial ends of the two eyebrows. The glabella is the smooth area of frontal bone above the nasal root.

How to locate Yintang

1. Position the patient comfortably with the head supported and facial muscles relaxed.
2. Identify the medial end of each eyebrow rather than estimating from the centre of the forehead.
3. Locate the midpoint between these two landmarks on the anterior facial midline.
4. Confirm the point over the glabella, superior to the nasal root.
5. Inspect for superficial vessels, bruising, skin lesions, infection, recent cosmetic procedures or altered anatomy before treatment.

Yintang should not be confused with BL2 Zanzhu at the medial end of each eyebrow or GV24 Shenting above the anterior hairline.

Traditional functions of Yintang

• Calms the Shen.
• Pacifies Wind within an appropriate traditional diagnosis.
• Benefits the nose and opens the nasal passages.
• Eases traditionally defined frontal headache and heaviness.
• Settles agitation and supports sleep-oriented treatment strategies.

These are traditional descriptions and should not be presented as proof that Yintang diagnoses, prevents or cures anxiety, insomnia, headache, sinus disease or another medical condition.

Traditional clinical applications

Yintang may be considered as part of an individualised treatment for traditional presentations involving:

• Restlessness, agitation or difficulty settling.
• Sleep disturbance within a relevant pattern.
• Frontal headache, head heaviness or facial tension.
• Nasal congestion, discharge, sneezing or sinus-region discomfort.
• Dizziness or Wind presentations when supported by the complete diagnosis.
• Needle apprehension, where gentle point contact or acupressure forms part of a calming clinical approach.

New, severe, recurrent or progressive neurological, psychiatric, visual or sinus symptoms require appropriate assessment. A calm presentation after treatment must never substitute for medical evaluation of red flags.

Common point combinations

• Yintang + HT7: traditionally selected in strategies to calm the Shen and support sleep.
• Yintang + PC6: considered where agitation, chest or epigastric unease and unsettled Shen coexist.
• Yintang + GV20: used in selected strategies involving the head, Shen or clear Yang.
• Yintang + LI4: traditionally considered for frontal headache or facial and nasal presentations.
• Yintang + LI20: commonly selected to address nasal obstruction within an appropriate pattern.
• Yintang + LV3: considered where constraint contributes to agitation, tension or headache.

These combinations are traditional examples rather than fixed prescriptions. Selection, laterality and stimulation must reflect the whole patient and the practitioner’s training.

Anatomy and practitioner notes

• Yintang overlies skin and thin subcutaneous tissues over the glabella and frontal bone.
• Superficial supratrochlear vessels and sensory nerve branches may be present and variable.
• The region may bruise visibly even after careful superficial needling; discuss this where appearance matters to the patient.
• Ask about anticoagulants, antiplatelet medication, bleeding disorders, recent facial trauma, surgery, injections, fillers, botulinum toxin or other cosmetic procedures.
• Avoid active dermatitis, acne lesions, wounds, infection, unexplained swelling or abnormal tenderness.
• Protect the eyes throughout positioning, insertion, retention and removal.
• Document consent, relevant risk factors, technique and response.

Needling and practical safety

Yintang is generally approached with a shallow transverse or subcutaneous technique by trained practitioners. This guide does not prescribe one fixed depth or direction; technique must be adapted to the patient and the practitioner’s accredited training.

• Avoid deep perpendicular insertion. The frontal bone lies beneath the superficial tissues.
• Use controlled technique and direct the needle away from the globe of the eye.
• Inspect for and avoid visible superficial vessels; apply appropriate pressure after removal if minor bleeding occurs.
• Do not needle through infected, inflamed, wounded or otherwise unsuitable skin.
• Use additional caution with increased bleeding risk, frailty, altered sensation or recent facial procedures.
• Use sterile, single-use needles and appropriate clean-field and sharps procedures.
• Stop and reassess with sharp pain, visual disturbance, unexpected radiating sensation, marked swelling, persistent bleeding, faintness or another concerning response.

Non-needle stimulation

Acupressure or other non-invasive stimulation may be selected when clinically appropriate, especially where needling is unsuitable or declined. Pressure should remain comfortable and must not be applied over injured, infected or acutely inflamed tissue.

When urgent medical assessment takes priority

Urgent assessment is required for sudden severe headache; new weakness, facial droop, confusion, seizure or speech difficulty; loss of consciousness; acute visual loss or a painful red eye; significant facial trauma; fever with severe headache or neck stiffness; or rapidly spreading facial or periorbital swelling. Any suspected eye injury related to treatment requires immediate medical evaluation.

Research note

Yintang has been studied in relation to peri-procedural anxiety, comfort and other outcomes. Reviews describe limited and heterogeneous evidence, and findings do not establish a universal or independent effect. Traditional functions and contemporary research should be presented separately and without exaggerated claims.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is Yintang?

At the glabella on the facial midline, halfway between the medial ends of the eyebrows.

What does Yintang mean?

Yintang is commonly translated as “Hall of Impression” or “Seal Hall”.

Is Yintang a Governing Vessel point?

No. It lies on the anterior midline and the course associated with the Governing Vessel, but is conventionally classified as an extraordinary point, EX-HN3.

Is Yintang used only with needles?

No. Trained practitioners may also select acupressure or another suitable non-invasive method according to the patient and treatment plan.

Can patients needle Yintang themselves?

No. Its proximity to the eyes and superficial vessels requires professional assessment, sterile technique and controlled direction.

Continue exploring Project Lotus

Visit our Acupuncture Point Guides, or read the GV20 Baihui, HT7 Shenmen and PC6 Neiguan guides.

Practitioners can also browse our professional acupuncture needles and auricular supplies.

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Professional disclaimer: This article is for qualified acupuncture and healthcare practitioners for general education. Traditional actions describe established acupuncture theory and are not claims of proven clinical efficacy. It is not medical advice, does not replace accredited training and must not be used as a universal protocol. Practitioners remain responsible for assessment, consent, safe technique, infection control, record keeping, referral and legal obligations.

Reference standards and safety reading:
World Health Organization. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture.
Kwon CY, et al. Acupuncture or Acupressure on Yintang (EX-HN3) for Anxiety: A Preliminary Review.