Yintang, also known as the Hall of Impression, is one of the most well-known and accessible acupressure points on the body. Located at the midpoint between the eyebrows on the forehead, it is often referred to in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as the “third eye” point.
Top benefit:
- Calms the mind and relieves stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Other therapeutic uses: - Eases frontal headaches
- Reduces nasal and sinus congestion
- Supports mental clarity and focus
Yintang is not associated with a specific meridian channel but is classified as an extraordinary point. It is particularly important in energetic and clinical applications. It is used to harmonize the spirit (Shen), clear the head, and open the sensory orifices. Alternative names in Western holistic practices include Extra Point GV24.5 or simply “Third Eye.”
Summary Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Pressure Point Name | Yintang – Hall of Impression (GV 24.5) |
| Body Area | Forehead |
| Exact Location | Midpoint between the medial ends of the eyebrows |
| Common Uses | Stress, anxiety, insomnia, sinus congestion, headaches, concentration |
| Stimulation Technique | Circular finger pressure for 1–3 minutes |
| Contraindications | Avoid in cases of open wounds or skin inflammation at the site |
Clinical Significance & Associated Conditions
Yintang is widely used to calm the central nervous system by promoting parasympathetic activity. It’s especially effective in addressing psychosomatic symptoms where emotional distress leads to physical complaints, such as:
- General anxiety disorder
- Sleep disturbances, especially insomnia rooted in restlessness
- Frontal tension headaches or migraines
- Acute sinusitis and allergic rhinitis
Energetically, Yintang soothes Shen (the spirit), which helps alleviate overstimulation, rumination, and emotional fatigue.
Location
To locate Yintang, gently touch the space directly between your eyebrows, in the indentation just above the bridge of the nose. This area often feels slightly tender or hollow. Use your index or middle finger to apply light, focused attention to the center point between the brows.
Looking for an easier way to use this point in your wellness routine? This pressure point is simple to locate and even easier to apply when guided step-by-step. It’s featured in over 70 evidence-based pressure point protocols inside our Pressure Points Guide app. Whether you’re looking to relieve anxiety, enhance sleep, or clear sinus congestion, the app guides you through every session with visuals and audio. Click here to download our app
How to Stimulate It
- Method: Use your index or middle fingertip
- Pressure: Gentle to medium (comfortable, not painful)
- Motion: Slow, circular movements or steady hold
- Duration: 1 to 3 minutes
- Frequency: 1–2 times daily, ideally in the evening to promote relaxation
- Posture: Seated or lying down with eyes closed
- Combination: Often used with CV 17 (Sea of Tranquility) or HT 7 (Spirit Gate) for emotional balance
Benefits and Common Uses
Yintang serves as a multi-functional point across mental, emotional, and physical domains:
- Mental: Improves concentration and reduces mental chatter
- Emotional: Eases anxiety, nervous tension, fear, and irritability
- Physical: Alleviates frontal headaches, sinus congestion, and eye strain
- Energetic: Calms overactive Shen, helps ground overthinking
Physiological Functions & Mechanisms
In TCM, Yintang is said to influence the brain and spirit, linking it to the Governing Vessel. It supports the pituitary gland and is thought to help regulate hormonal cycles, emotional rhythms, and circadian balance. Stimulating this point may also modulate vagal tone, reduce heart rate, and improve autonomic regulation.
Practitioner Insight
I’ve found Yintang especially helpful during evening routines. Many people I’ve worked with add it to their wind-down ritual, it’s a natural cue for the body to soften and prepare for rest. When used after a hot compress on the face or forehead, the sensation deepens, and its calming effects amplify noticeably.
Safety & Contraindications
Yintang is generally safe for all populations when used correctly. However:
- Avoid if there’s a cut, bruise, or skin infection at the point.
- Do not apply heavy pressure that causes pain or dizziness.
- Discontinue if irritation or discomfort arises.
Always follow common-sense precautions when practicing self-care. Learn more in our Acupressure Safety Guide, and explore the full acupressure category here.
Related Points & Techniques
- CV 17 – Sea of Tranquility (chest): Balances emotions, supports breath regulation
- HT 7 – Spirit Gate (wrist): Reduces insomnia and nervous restlessness
- BL 2 – Zan Zhu (inner eye socket): Relieves frontal headaches and eye fatigue
- Adjunct techniques: Deep breathing, guided meditation, gentle facial tapping
More sessions with Yintang (Hall of Impression) (Yintang) in our Pressure Points Guide App
Scientific Perspective
Studies have explored the use of Yintang stimulation in complementary settings. One 2021 clinical review published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine noted that Yintang acupressure can reduce anxiety and preoperative stress levels, with benefits potentially linked to vagal nerve activation. Another 2023 trial in the Journal of Integrative Medicine associated Yintang with improved sleep quality in elderly patients.