The Yin Tang point is located between your eyebrows. Applying pressure to it may help relieve symptoms of anxiety and stress.

Yin Tang acupuncture is just one of many pressure or trigger points throughout your body. It is also known as the Hall of Impression, Extra-1, and EX-HN3.

Keep in mind that there’s no definitive research on acupuncture treatments. Rather, it’s a type of traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries.

Read on to learn how Yin Tang acupuncture works, what it’s believed to treat, and what research has to say about this type of acupuncture.

Acupuncture is a type of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves inserting small needles into certain pressure or trigger points around your body.

These points fall on certain lines of your body, often where nerves meet, or muscles function. It’s believed that using needles on these specific points stimulates the body and restores the balance of opposing forces.

Methods like acupuncture are considered complementary or alternative therapy in the Western world. Modern medicine relies on anatomy and pharmacology but may use acupuncture as a supplementary treatment.

In traditional Chinese medicine, Yin Tang acupuncture is believed to help stabilize your mental health.

It may help to relieve symptoms of anxiety and stress, but further research is still needed to confirm its exact effects.

General acupuncture may also help treat other health conditions like:

Several studies suggest benefits associated with Yin Tang acupuncture.

In a 2017 study of people about to undergo neurosurgery, acupuncture at the Yin Tang reduced their anxiety levels. A 2018 review also suggested that Yin Tang acupuncture or acupressure helped reduce anxiety in people about to undergo other forms of surgery.

Keep in mind that these studies don’t prove that Yin Tang acupuncture or acupressure is always effective. Further studies are needed to help the medical community understand the benefits of Yin Tang acupuncture.

There are many other studies on the use of acupuncture on health conditions. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, research exists on the positive links between acupuncture and:

Before you do Yin Tang acupuncture, you’ll need to find a licensed acupuncturist so you can discuss your symptoms and desired outcomes.

Visit the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine website to learn more about how the acupuncture licensing process works and to find a practitioner who can help you determine what treatments may work best for you.

Make sure your acupuncturist uses clean, sterile needles and has the required certifications and licensing to ensure your safety. To ensure that your practitioner is licensed and certified, check your state board of health.

Your first session may last an hour or longer to determine your needs. Later appointments may be shorter, once you’ve established your treatment goals.

Here’s how Yin Tang acupuncture is usually done:

  1. The acupuncturist will insert a thin needle at the Yin Tang point.
  2. You’ll likely have the needle in your Yin Tang point for 20 minutes.
  3. The acupuncturist may manipulate the needle with small movements or heat during this time. Any manipulations to the needle will be subtle. You may not feel anything during this procedure because the needle is so small.

Related techniques

Your acupuncturist may also recommend acupuncture in other areas depending on your desired outcomes. For example, there are several other pressure points on your face that are thought to help clear your sinuses, promote relaxation, and more.

You may also discuss other treatment methods along with your acupuncture, such as acupressure and herbal remedies.

Acupressure is the application of physical touch to pressure or trigger points without the use of needles. You can lightly rub the Yin Tang with your thumb or finger for several minutes to try relieving stress on your own.

Traditional Chinese medicine also sometimes involves herbs. Use caution with these treatments because they’re not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or any other regulatory agency.

Herbal treatments may also worsen or trigger other health conditions as well as interfere or interact with medications you take. You should talk with a doctor before you try any herbs along with your acupuncture treatment.

Some experts believe that acupuncture has a placebo effect on those who receive it.

This means that the procedure’s effect is not easily measured and may be linked to your expectations that the procedure will work. The placebo effect can often be seen in drug studies as well.

Regardless, this can result in experiencing fewer symptoms.

It’s not clear whether there is a placebo effect for Yin Tang acupuncture. More research is recommended to examine the effectiveness of Yin Tang acupuncture overall.

Acupuncture is a procedure that carries a small amount of risk.

You may be at risk for infections or injury if the person administering the acupuncture does not comply with best practices.

Talk with a doctor before seeking acupuncture if you have any other health conditions like bleeding disorders or if you’re pregnant. They can confirm whether you’re a good candidate for acupuncture.

The Yin Tang point is located between your eyebrows. Applying pressure to it may help relieve symptoms of anxiety and stress. However, further research is still needed to confirm its exact effects.

Before you undergo Yin Tang acupuncture, it is important to find a licensed acupuncturist with whom you can discuss your symptoms and desired outcomes.