Yaoyan (Yāoyǎn, “Yāoyǎn”) is an extra (non-channel) acupuncture point. It is located in the depression approximately 3.5 to 4 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4). The point is found in the hollow that appears on either side of the lumbar spine when the arms are raised and slightly drawn back. It strengthens the kidneys, benefits the lumbar region, and alleviates pain.
In the depression approximately 3.5 to 4 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4). The point is found in the hollow that appears on either side of the lumbar spine when the arms are raised and slightly drawn back.
Perpendicular or oblique insertion towards the spine, 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Deep needling should be avoided to prevent injury to the kidneys.
Strengthens the kidneys, benefits the lumbar region, and alleviates pain.
Lumbar pain, lumbar pain that is difficult to bend or extend, consumptive disease with parasites (tuberculosis).
Yaoyan is a primary local point for various types of lumbar pain, especially those related to Kidney deficiency. Its location corresponds to the quadratus lumborum muscle, making it effective for muscular strain. While classical texts mention its use for systemic consumptive diseases, its modern application is almost exclusively for lower back pain and weakness.
Classical text; the translation was prepared with AI and is not clinical advice.
《醫宗金鑑·刺灸心法要訣》 Yīzōng Jīnjiàn · Cìjiǔ Xīnfǎ Yàojué — Golden Mirror of Medicine: Essential Teachings on Acupuncture & Moxibustion, Wu Qian et al., 1742 · 卷八 · 灸癆蟲穴歌 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
鬼眼一穴灸癆蟲，墨點病人腰眼中，擇用癸亥亥時灸，勿令人知法最靈The verse records that moxibustion at the Guiyan (Yaoyan) point was used against consumptive worms: the lumbar eye of the patient is marked with ink, moxibustion is done in the hai hour of a guihai day, and the method was said to be most effective if no one else is told.
《類經圖翼》 Lèijīng Túyì — Illustrated Wings to the Classified Canon, Zhang Jiebin, 1624 · 卷十 · 經絡（八） · 奇俞類集 · Source: jicheng.tw ↗
其法令病人平眠，以筆於兩腰眼宛宛中點二穴，各灸七壯According to this text, the patient lies flat and two points are marked with a brush in the hollows of both lumbar eyes (Yaoyan), each receiving 7 moxa cones.
Yaoyan (Yāoyǎn) is located in the depression approximately 3.5 to 4 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the fourth lumbar vertebra (L4). The point is found in the hollow that appears on either side of the lumbar spine when the arms are raised and slightly drawn back.
Yaoyan strengthens the kidneys, benefits the lumbar region, and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include lumbar pain, lumbar pain that is difficult to bend or extend, consumptive disease with parasites (tuberculosis).
Perpendicular or oblique insertion towards the spine, 1.0 to 1.5 cun. Deep needling should be avoided to prevent injury to the kidneys. Caution: The Zi Sheng Jing notes a case of a woman with chronic severe lumbar pain where moxibustion on Yaoyan was considered contraindicated ('腰眼忌灸').