Acupoint Guide

Tag: LI5

  • 5 Acupoints for Wrist Pain — Complete Self-Acupressure Guide

    One-line Summary: Stimulate 5 acupoints on the wrist crease and forearm to relieve wrist pain and improve blood circulation.

    Introduction

    Wrist pain from repetitive mouse use, smartphone manipulation, and lifting heavy objects is a common condition in modern life. While persistent pain can disrupt daily activities, Traditional Chinese Medicine teaches that stimulating specific acupoints around the wrist can alleviate pain and improve qi and blood circulation. This article introduces 5 effective acupoints for wrist pain and self-acupressure techniques.

    5 Effective Acupoints for Wrist Pain

    1. Waiguan (Outer Gate) — TE5

    Location: 2 cun (approximately 6cm) above the dorsal wrist crease, in the depression between the radius (thumb side bone) and ulna (pinky side bone)

    Effects: Relieves wrist and arm pain, improves blood circulation, alleviates elbow pain, improves nerve pain

    Acupressure Technique: Apply vertical pressure to the Waiguan acupoint with the thumb of the opposite hand. Press deeply but without causing pain, holding for 3–5 seconds and releasing. Repeat 10 times. Practice 2–3 times daily for best results.

    2. Daling (Great Mound) — PC7

    Location: At the center of the palm-side wrist crease, in the depression between the two tendons (palmaris longus tendon and flexor carpi radialis tendon) visible when the wrist is flexed

    Effects: Relieves wrist pain and stiffness, stabilizes heart and nerves, improves insomnia, alleviates numbness and tingling in the hands

    Acupressure Technique: Daling is a very sensitive acupoint on the Pericardium meridian, so stimulate gently. Slowly press with the thumb while massaging lightly in circular motions. Practice for 1 minute on each hand, 2 times daily for optimal results.

    3. Taiyuan (Great Abyss) — LU9

    Location: Above the palm-side wrist crease where the radial artery pulse can be felt, in the area below the thumb on the wrist

    Effects: Relieves wrist pain and swelling, improves lung function, alleviates cough, improves forearm pain

    Acupressure Technique: Locate the Taiyuan acupoint with the opposite thumb and press gently. Since this area contains the radial artery, avoid pressing too firmly. Press for 10 seconds and release, repeating 5 times.

    4. Yangxi (Yang Stream) — LI5

    Location: Above the dorsal wrist crease, in the depression between the thumb side (extensor pollicis longus tendon) and finger side (extensor pollicis brevis tendon)

    Effects: Relieves wrist and forearm pain, removes heat sensation, improves neck and shoulder tension, strengthens immunity

    Acupressure Technique: Locate Yangxi with the thumb and repeatedly press and release slowly. Apply moderate pressure with slight discomfort, performing 5–10 times. Alternating stimulation of both wrists is more effective.

    5. Tongli (Connecting) — HT5

    Location: 1 cun (approximately 3cm) above the palm-side wrist crease, on the radial side (thumb side) of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon

    Effects: Relieves wrist and arm pain, regulates heart function, removes anxiety, improves blood circulation

    Acupressure Technique: Press Tongli with the opposite thumb, holding for 3–5 seconds and releasing. Repeat 10 times. Since this is a Heart meridian acupoint, avoid overstimulating.

    5-Minute Self-Care Routine

    Perform the following sequence for 5 minutes in the morning or evening:

    Step 1 (1 minute): Warm up by slowly rotating both wrists 5 times.
    Step 2 (1 minute): Stimulate Waiguan (TE5) for 30 seconds on each wrist.
    Step 3 (1 minute): Gently massage and stimulate Daling (PC7) for 30 seconds.
    Step 4 (1 minute): Press Taiyuan (LU9) for 20 seconds on each side.
    Step 5 (1 minute): Alternately stimulate Yangxi (LI5) and Tongli (HT5) for 30 seconds each.

    By repeating this routine 1–2 times daily, you should notice improvement in wrist pain within 2 weeks. If pain is severe or does not improve, consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Certain acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) may trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, consult a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before practicing these techniques.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, always consult a healthcare professional.
  • Yangxi (LI5) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Precise Location and Acupressure Technique

    Yangxi (LI5) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Precise Location and Acupressure Technique

    One-line summary: Yang Xi (LI5) is an acupoint on the back of the wrist that relieves various symptoms including wrist pain, headaches, toothaches, and eye pain, making it a versatile acupoint.

    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.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Some acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) can trigger uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, be sure to consult with a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before practicing.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is written for the purpose of providing health information and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, be sure to consult with a healthcare professional.