Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), extraordinary points (also called extra points, ashì points, or non-meridian points) are acupuncture points that are not part of the 12 regular meridians or the 8 extraordinary vessels, but have well-documented locations, names, and therapeutic uses.

They were discovered over centuries from clinical practice — often because acupuncturists noticed that needling a certain spot produced consistent healing effects, even though it didn’t align with a standard meridian pathway.

📍 Characteristics of Extraordinary Points

Not on standard meridians – independent locations with unique effects.
Often symptom-specific – many are used for very particular conditions (e.g., insomnia, eye pain, toothache).
Can be bilateral or unilateral – some are found on both sides of the body, some only in one place.
Named descriptively – many names reference their function, appearance, or anatomical location.

📋 Examples of Common Extraordinary Points

Point Name	Chinese Name	Location	Main Uses
Yintang	印堂	Midpoint between eyebrows	Calms mind, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, sinus issues
Sishencong	四神聪	Four points around DU-20 (Baihui) on scalp	Improves memory, concentration, insomnia
Bitong	鼻通	At highest point of nasolabial groove	Opens nasal passages, sinusitis
Taiyang	太阳	Temple, 1 cun posterior to midpoint between lateral eyebrow and outer eye canthus	Migraine, eye strain, facial pain
Anmian	安眠	Behind ear, midpoint between SJ-17 and GB-20	Insomnia, anxiety, dizziness
Zigongxue	子宫穴	3 cun lateral to RN-3	Gynecological issues, infertility
Baxie	八邪	4 points between fingers (when hand in fist)	Finger swelling, arthritis, numbness
Bafeng	八风	4 points between toes (when toes spread)	Foot swelling, numbness, poor circulation

💡 Clinical Tip:

While these points aren’t on the main meridian charts, they’re often used in combination with regular points to enhance therapeutic effect — especially in symptom-targeted treatments.

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