What is Yang Xi?
Yang Xi (陽谿) is the fifth acupoint of the Large Intestine meridian, located on the back of the wrist. In traditional Chinese medicine, Yang Xi is understood as a “valley where qi and blood converge,” and it is considered an important acupoint that controls heat and pain throughout the body. It is particularly known for its rapid effects in improving various symptoms of the upper body.
How to Find the Exact Location
Step 1: Extend your wrist backward to comfortably show the back of your wrist.
Step 2: Identify the upper part where the horizontal wrist crease appears.
Step 3: You will see two tendons—the hollow depression between the thumb-side tendon (extensor pollicis longus tendon) and the adjacent tendon (extensor pollicis brevis tendon) is Yang Xi.
Step 4: When you gently palpate, the area that feels tender is the exact location. It is generally located slightly toward the thumb side from the center of the wrist.
Acupressure Method
Preparation: Sit in a comfortable position and rest your hands comfortably.
Step 1: Locate the Yang Xi point using the thumb of your opposite hand.
Step 2: Slowly inhale and apply firm pressure over 3–5 seconds. Apply enough pressure to feel slight discomfort.
Step 3: Slowly release your finger as you exhale.
Step 4: Repeat this process 5–10 times.
Tip: Alternating between both wrists will yield better results.
Main Effects
- Wrist pain relief: Yang Xi relaxes the muscles around the wrist and improves blood circulation, effectively alleviating wrist pain and stiffness.
- Headache improvement: Since the Large Intestine meridian connects to the neck and head, Yang Xi acupressure quickly improves tension headaches, migraines, and occipital pain.
- Toothache relief: Due to its close relationship with the large intestine, it is effective in relieving dental pain, gingivitis, and lip swelling and other oral symptoms.
- Eye fatigue relief: It improves eye pain, eye fatigue, and dry eyes, and is effective for eye strain from prolonged computer work.
- Heat-related symptom improvement: It addresses heat-related symptoms such as facial heat sensation, nosebleed, and oral inflammation.
- Stress relief: It stabilizes the autonomic nervous system and helps relieve stress and anxiety.
When to Practice Acupressure
Optimal time: It is effective to practice acupressure in the morning when you wake up and need to loosen up your stiffened body, at work when you feel fatigued, and in the evening when you want to relieve daily stress. You can expect immediate relief, especially when experiencing headaches or toothaches.
Optimal frequency: 1–3 times per day, about 5–10 times per session is appropriate. If pain is severe, you can do it more frequently as needed, but be careful not to stimulate the same area for too long.
Precautions
Cases to avoid: Pregnant women should consult with a healthcare professional before proceeding due to the possibility of abdominal tension. If there are wounds or inflammation on the wrist, avoid acupressure, and if there is a fracture or serious illness, always follow your doctor’s instructions.
During acupressure: Avoid excessive stimulation and maintain appropriate pressure. Be aware that the skin may turn red or bruise after acupressure, so adjust the intensity accordingly. If there is acute pain or swelling, consult a specialist. Rinsing your wrist with warm water after acupressure is even better.
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