Acupoint Guide

Tag: Yanggu

  • Yanggu (SI5) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Precise Location and Acupressure Method

    One-line summary: Yanggu (SI5) is an acupoint on the ulnar side of the wrist that is excellent for alleviating wrist pain, tinnitus, and toothache.

    What is Yanggu?

    Yanggu (陽谷) is the 5th acupoint of the Small Intestine meridian (SI), and is one of the important acupoints highly regarded in traditional Korean medicine. “Yang” means brightness, and “gu” means valley. Located on the ulnar side of the wrist, it helps promote qi and blood circulation and alleviates various conditions.

    How to Find the Exact Location

    Step 1: Extend your hand forward and look at the ulnar side of the wrist (the pinky finger side).
    Step 2: Find the bone that can be felt on the back of the wrist (the ulnar styloid process).
    Step 3: The depression between that bone and the wrist bone (the triquetrum) is Yanggu.
    Step 4: The exact location is the point where you feel a soreness when you gently press with your finger.

    Acupressure Method

    Basic Acupressure Method:
    1. Sit in a comfortable position and relax your wrist.
    2. Slowly press the Yanggu area with the thumb of the opposite hand.
    3. Press firmly for 3-5 seconds and then slowly release the pressure.
    4. Repeat this 10-15 times.
    Enhanced Acupressure Method: When pain is severe, it is more effective to press firmly for about 1-2 minutes while massaging in a circular motion.

    Main Effects

    • Wrist pain: By promoting qi and blood circulation around the wrist, it accelerates recovery from chronic wrist pain and sprains.
    • Tinnitus: Alleviates ringing in the ears and helps improve hearing.
    • Toothache: Effective in alleviating toothache and gum disease through meridians on both sides.
    • Migraine: Enhances mental clarity and alleviates migraine symptoms.
    • Elbow pain: Helps improve elbow pain by regulating the meridians of the upper limbs.

    When is the Best Time to Apply Acupressure?

    Optimal Time: It can be done anytime during your free time, but it is especially effective when applied between 1-3 PM (when the Small Intestine meridian is most active).
    Recommended Situations:
    – When you feel wrist pain
    – When you feel your ears ringing
    – When you have toothache
    – When your wrist feels stiff after computer work
    – When you have physical discomfort due to stress

    Precautions

    Situations to Avoid:
    – If pregnant, consult with a healthcare professional before proceeding.
    – Avoid acupressure immediately after trauma or fracture.
    – If there are cuts or inflammation on the skin, avoid that area.

    Precautions When Applying Acupressure:
    – Do not apply excessive force when pressing; stimulation to the level of a tingling sensation is appropriate.
    – If symptoms are severe or do not improve, consult a traditional Korean medicine practitioner or physician.
    – It is best not to apply acupressure within 30 minutes after eating.
    – Applying acupressure 30 minutes before bedtime may interfere with good sleep.

    🤰 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, be sure to consult with a traditional Korean medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before proceeding.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is written for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, please consult with a healthcare professional.

  • Yanggu (ST34) Acupoint — Complete Guide to Precise Location and Acupressure Technique

    One-line Summary: Yanggu (ST34) is an acupoint on the Stomach Meridian located on the lateral side of the knee with excellent effects for alleviating knee pain and improving digestive health.

    What is Yanggu?

    Yanggu (陽谷, ST34) is an acupoint belonging to the Stomach Meridian (Zu Yang Ming Wei Jing), one of the 12 meridians of the human body. This acupoint, which has been utilized in Eastern traditional medicine for over 2,000 years, is a muscular and nerve point around the knee that works broadly not only to relieve local pain but also to improve digestive function. It is known as an integrated healing point that simultaneously regulates the structural stability of the knee and the health of the digestive system.

    How to Find the Exact Location

    Step 1: Sit up straight, extend your leg, and touch above the kneecap.

    Step 2: Use the lateral superior border (outer edge) of the kneecap as your reference point.

    Step 3: From that point, find the location approximately 2 cun (6cm) directly above. 2 cun is approximately the width of three finger joints.

    Step 4: It is located in the depressed area above the vastus lateralis muscle (outer thigh muscle), and when pressed lightly, you can feel the tense muscle.

    Verification: If you feel slight pain or heaviness around the knee or throughout the leg when pressing this point, you have found the correct location.

    Acupressure Method

    Preparation: Sit or lie in a comfortable position and relax your leg. Rub your hands together to warm them and increase body temperature.

    Step 1 – Location Verification: Find the Yanggu acupoint with your thumb or middle finger and press lightly.

    Step 2 – Pressure: Repeatedly press slowly for 5 seconds with consistent force, then release for 3 seconds. Maintain a refreshing pressure without pain (approximately 3-5kg of pressure depending on individual tolerance).

    Step 3 – Massage: Massage in a clockwise circular motion around the acupoint 10-20 times.

    Step 4 – Finishing: Finally, wrap the area with warm hands to complete.

    Recommended Duration: 3-5 minutes per session, with 2-3 sessions per day being most effective.

    Key Benefits

    • Knee Pain Relief: Directly alleviates pain from knee arthritis, knee muscle soreness, and knee joint conditions.
    • Digestive Health Improvement: As an acupoint on the Stomach Meridian, it improves indigestion, abdominal bloating, and loss of appetite.
    • Nausea Relief: Quickly alleviates upper abdominal discomfort such as motion sickness, nausea, and heartburn.
    • Improved Blood Circulation: Promotes leg blood circulation to relieve lower limb edema and coldness.
    • Nervous System Calm: Also improves digestive issues caused by anxiety and nervousness.

    When is it Best to Practice Acupressure?

    Optimal Time: Most effective right after waking in the morning or before bedtime at night. Especially in the evening, you can release tension accumulated throughout the day along with fatigue.

    After Meals Recommended: For digestive improvement, practice acupressure 30 minutes to 1 hour after meals to promote digestive enzyme secretion.

    When Experiencing Knee Pain: Practicing acupressure immediately when pain is felt after activity can prevent inflammation from spreading.

    Caution: Avoid practicing immediately after overeating or on an empty stomach, and apply gentle stimulation when experiencing severe fatigue.

    Precautions

    Situations to Avoid: Do not practice acupressure on areas with wounds or inflammation. If you suspect serious arthritis or fracture, consult a healthcare professional first.

    Pressure Adjustment: Begin with gentle stimulation, observe your body’s response, and gradually increase intensity. Stop immediately if pain increases.

    During Pregnancy: Always consult with a professional before practicing during pregnancy.

    Avoid Continuous Pressure: Excessive stimulation of the same area may cause skin damage or muscle stiffness.

    Concurrent Medication: If you are currently taking medications, check for potential interactions with acupressure therapy.

    🤰 Pregnancy Warning: Certain acupoints such as Sanyinjiao (SP6), Hegu (LI4), and Taichong (LR3) may induce uterine contractions in pregnant women. If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, always consult with a traditional medicine practitioner or healthcare professional before practicing.
    ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. If symptoms persist or are severe, please consult with a healthcare professional.