Small Intestine Meridian
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SI-2
Water-Shui
Spring-Ying Point
Needle Depth
0.2–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Fingers
Location
On the ulnar aspect of the little finger, distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint, at the junction of the shaft and the base of the proximal phalanx.
Main Actions
- Expels Wind-Heat
- Opens the chest
- Benefits eyes, nose and ears
Indications
Commentary
Qiangu SI-2 is able to clear both Interior and Exterior Heat, like all Spring-Ying point. It is especially effective in expelling Exterior Wind-Heat, so as to treat symptoms such as mumps, aversion to cold, fever, febrille disease or cough.
Another important function of SI-2 is to open the Channel by removing the Obstructions. Therefore, it can ease a wide range of pain or stiffness in areas like the neck, upper back, scapula, arm, wrist or little finger.
It also benefits eyes, nose and ears by clearing Heat.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter 2 - Ben Shu: First documents SI-2 Qiangu as the Spring-Ying point of the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine channel, establishing its fundamental classification in the Five Transporting Points system.
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Records indications including "heat disease without sweating, headache with neck stiffness, deafness, tinnitus, eye redness, nasal obstruction, sore throat, mumps, insufficient lactation, and finger numbness."
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture): States that Qiangu "mainly treats heat disease with absence of sweating" (主热病汗不出), emphasizing its heat-clearing function.
How to Locate
On the ulnar aspect of the little finger, palpate along the border of the ‘red and white’ skin in the direction of the metacarpophalangeal joint, until you can clearly feel the junction between the shaft and the base. Qiangu SI-2 is located at the junction of the shaft and the base and slightly inferior (palmar) to the exterior curvature of the bone.
Caution
The point is located at the junction of red and white skin on the little finger, where the tissue is relatively thin. Avoid overly deep or aggressive needling to prevent discomfort. In patients with poor circulation or cold hands, warm the area before needling. The small joint structures are nearby, so angle needle appropriately to avoid periosteum contact.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.2–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.2–0.5 cun obliquely in a proximal or distal direction and slightly towards the palm.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the point site, with possible mild tingling or numbness radiating along the ulnar aspect of the little finger. Some patients may feel the sensation extend toward the wrist or up the channel toward the elbow.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Water-Shui
Transporting Type
Spring-Ying Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
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