Hall of Impression
印堂 Yìn Táng · EX-HN3
About EX-HN3 Hall of Impression
EX-HN3 Yintang is the extra point located between the eyebrows that has been recognized across virtually every Eastern tradition as a point of spiritual and therapeutic significance. Known as the 'third eye' in yogic tradition (corresponding to the Ajna chakra), the 'seat of insight' in Daoist practice, and the 'Hall of Impression' in Chinese medicine, this point transcends cultural boundaries as a gateway to inner stillness and clarity.
Despite being classified as an 'extra' point (not belonging to any of the fourteen regular meridians), Yintang is one of the most frequently used points in clinical acupuncture, appearing in treatment protocols for insomnia, anxiety, sinus conditions, frontal headache, and emotional disturbance. Its location at the midline of the forehead, between the starting points of the Bladder meridian (BL-1 at the inner eye), gives it access to the frontal brain region and the sinuses without belonging to any single channel.
The calming effect of Yintang is immediate and accessible. Gentle pressure here activates the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing the heart rate, deepening respiration, and shifting the nervous system from sympathetic (fight-or-flight) to parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) dominance. Research using EEG has shown increased alpha wave activity (associated with relaxed alertness) during Yintang stimulation. For self-care, it may be the single most practical point for daily stress management -- pressing it requires only one finger, produces no discomfort, and works within seconds.
How to Find This Point
Find the exact center point between your eyebrows. The point is on the forehead midline, in the slight depression or flat area between the inner ends of the brows. This is the location commonly called the 'third eye.'
Technique
Press gently with the middle fingertip or thumb. Gentle sustained pressure, light circular motions, or gentle tapping. This point is remarkably sensitive to even light stimulation and responds best to soft, steady pressure.
Pressure & Duration
Light pressure for 2-5 minutes.
Benefits
Calms the spirit, clears the head, brightens the eyes, benefits the nose, alleviates frontal headache, promotes sleep
Indications
Insomnia, anxiety, frontal headache, dizziness, nasal congestion, sinusitis, eye strain, agitation, restlessness, inability to concentrate, childhood convulsions
TCM Actions
Calms the spirit, clears the head, brightens the eyes, benefits the nose
Self-Care Use
Press gently between the eyebrows for instant calming during anxiety, insomnia, or mental restlessness. This is the easiest and most intuitive calming point on the body. Simply place your fingertip between your eyebrows, close your eyes, and breathe slowly for 2-5 minutes. Remarkably effective for falling asleep -- press gently while lying in bed and focusing on slow breathing. Also excellent for sinus headaches and frontal pressure.
Contraindications & Cautions
No significant contraindications. This is one of the gentlest and safest acupressure points. Avoid pressing on open acne lesions at the point location.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the EX-HN3 Hall of Impression acupressure point located?
EX-HN3 Hall of Impression (Yìn Táng) is located at: On the forehead, at the midpoint between the medial ends of the two eyebrows (the glabella). Find the exact center point between your eyebrows. The point is on the forehead midline, in the slight depression or flat area between the inner ends of the brows. This is the location commonly called
How long should I press EX-HN3 Hall of Impression?
Apply light pressure to EX-HN3 for 2-5 minutes. Press gently with the middle fingertip or thumb. Gentle sustained pressure, light circular motions, or gentle tapping. This point is remarkably sensitive to even light stimulation and responds best to
What are the benefits of stimulating EX-HN3 Hall of Impression?
Calms the spirit, clears the head, brightens the eyes, benefits the nose, alleviates frontal headache, promotes sleep
Is it safe to do acupressure on EX-HN3 at home?
Press gently between the eyebrows for instant calming during anxiety, insomnia, or mental restlessness. This is the easiest and most intuitive calming point on the body. Simply place your fingertip be Cautions: No significant contraindications. This is one of the gentlest and safest acupressure points. Avoid pressing on open acne lesions at the point location
Which meridian does EX-HN3 belong to?
EX-HN3 Hall of Impression belongs to the Extra Point - Head and Neck, which is associated with the N/A (Extra point, not assigned to a specific element) element. Its TCM actions include: Calms the spirit, clears the head, brightens the eyes, benefits the nose