鼻通 : Bitong : Penetrating the Nose

Location Guides:

Location:

At the highest point of the naso-labial groove.

Needling:

Transverse insertion towards the bridge of the nose 0.3 - 0.5 cun

TCM Actions:

Benefits the nose

TCM Indications:

• Rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, nasal congestion and discharge, nosebleed, nasal polyps.

Neuroanatomy:

Superficial Innervation: Maxillary branch of trigeminal nerve (CN V2)

Dermatome Segment: CN V2 maxillary branch of trigeminal

Martial Applications & Effects of Injury:

See Montaigue, Dim Mak Locations, Taijiworld.com for explanation of effects.

Major Combinations:

• Chronic rhinitis:
    Bitong Ex-HN-8 with Shangxing Du-23, Tongtian Bl-8 and Hegu LI-4 (Deadman, Al-Khafaji & Baker, 2001, A Manual of Acupuncture).

Notes:

Commonly through needled from Yingxiang L.I.-20 for nasal disorders.

This point would also be on the upper trajectory of the Chong mai in Jeffrey Yuen's descriptions (Yuen, 2005, The Extraordinary Vessels).

Lad and Durve (2008) in Marma Points of Ayurveda call this point Adhah Ganda along with another slightly superior, level with Nasa Mudhya, midway between Yintang and Du-25, called Urdhva Ganda. Both are associated with Tarpaka Kapha, Avalambaka Kapha, Prana Vayu and Bodhaka Kapha.

They give the following functions:
- Enhances flow of prana vayu and relieves respiratory stress
- Benefits the nasal passage, relieves congestion
- Promotes bronchodilation
- Opens sinus cavities
- Helps relieves headaches
- Releases suppressed emotions
- Relieves congestion of oral mucus membrane

Reference Notes:

Basic information on location, needle depth, TCM actions, indications and combinations is taken from Deadman et al (2001): A Manual of Acupuncture with additional anatomical information researched by reference to Gray's Anatomy (38th Ed., 1995) unless otherwise referenced. Images were found on acupunctureschoolonline.com and can be traced back to Claudia Focks (2008) Atlas of Acupuncture originally. I cannot claim any credit or rights over them. Other sources should be quoted in the text.

For some of the more unusual terms I have created a glossary here