Hui Yin - A Point You Can Use Yourself

This is the last part in my series on supporting vulvodynia.

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What is Hui Yin?

Hui Yin (Ren-1) is one of the most powerful points in Chinese medicine for pelvic and genital health. According to classical Chinese texts, its functions include regulating the entire genito-urinary and anal region, treating gynaecological disorders, and settling the mind.

It also sits in one of the most intimate areas of your body - the perineum, midway between the opening of the vagina and the anus.

which is exactly why in 19 years of specialising in vulvodynia and pelvic pain, I have never used it.

Not because it isn't powerful.

Because you don't need a needle to activate it.

And because your body belongs to you.

Institutions including the WHO, NIH and FDA indicate the external genitals as a forbidden area for acupuncture techniques. I agree, and I go further. For women in general and especially those with vulvar and vaginal pain, needling in this area can cause more harm than good, even when done with the best intentions. 

What we are doing about it?

Together with colleagues Waveny Holland and Hila Yaffe, I deliver a free lecture - "All You Need to Know About Hui Yin Ren-1"  on the safe and ethical use of intimate acupuncture points. We have delivered it to over 1,700 Chinese medicine students and practitioners across three continents. We will keep delivering it for as long as practitioners needle this point when safer, equally effective alternatives exist.

But this post is for you

and not about what practitioners should or shouldn't do.

Know that you can say no to needling this point and still activate it and get its full benefits. Because Hui Yin is something you can explore yourself, gently, at home. And for women with vulvodynia, learning to connect with this area on your own terms can be genuinely supportive.

How to explore it  

Only if and when it feels right

Start fully clothed. Place your hand gently over the area and just breathe. 

No pressure, just warmth and connection.

If that feels okay, you can try without clothes, just resting your hand there for a few seconds.

If comfortable, try light pressure with one finger on the point itself - just for a moment.

Only if all of this feels genuinely pleasant, not just tolerable - you can explore it before situations involving contact with the vulva: inserting a tampon, using dilators, or sexual touch.

The most important rule - this should feel good.

Not "fine." Not "I can manage it." Actually pleasant.

If anything causes discomfort or pain - stop immediately. This is not something to push through.

Questions or experiences to share? Write in the comments or reach out privately. 

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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, please consult a qualified healthcare professional before trying any new approach.