Yamen GV15: Nomenclature, Location, Functions,Indications, Method, Precaution

Nomenclature:

Ya: mutism Men: door
Yamen may either cause or treat mutism. It is likened to a two way door to mutism.

English name/ meaning: Mutes Gate
Chinese name: Yamen
Chinese pinyin: 哑门
Korean name: Amun
Japanese name: Amon
Vietnamese name: Amon
French: Ia-menn

Location:

On the midline of the nape of the neck, 0.5 cun directly above the midpoint of the posterior hairline.

Functions:

• Stimulates speech (speech disorders, development problems, cerebral palsy, stroke).
• Calms the spirit (mental disorders).

Indication:

• Yamen is the best acupuncture point for speech disorders like sudden aphonia, inability to speak due to the stiffness of the tongue.
• Also benefits Psychosis, epilepsy (expels internal wind).
• Local disorders: Headache and stiff in the neck.

Method:

Slowly puncture perpendicularly or obliquely downward 0.5-1 cun in the direction of the submaxilla. Ask the patient to sit upright and relax the nape of the neck with a slight tilt of the head.

Do not puncture deeply perpendicularly or obliquely upward to prevent from pricking the medulla.

Remarks:

• Crossing point of Yangwei Vessel.
• Point of the sea of qi.
• Main point for mute patients.

Precautions:

The spinal canal lies between 1.5 and 2 cun deep to the skin surface, varying according to body build. Deep perpendicular insertion is therefore strictly contraindicated, as is superior oblique insertion towards the brain.
Moxibustion can’t be used in this point.