Small Intestine Meridian
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SI-5
Fire-Huo
River-Jing Point
Needle Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Wrist
Location
On the ulnar side of the wrist, in the depression between the styloid process of the ulna and the triquetral bone.
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Benefits the ears and eyes
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Commentary
Yanggu SI-5 is an useful point for clearing the Mind when the patients suffer from manic behavior and lost Mind that they are not able to distinguish the right choice among several.
Like Wangu SI-4, it is also able to open Channels by removing Obstruction and clearing Heat. Thus it relives pain, redness and swelling in ears and eyes. Other typical symptoms can be tinnitus, deafness as well as blurred vision.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot), Chapter 2 - Ben Shu: "The Hand Taiyang Small Intestine meridian... at the wrist joint, in the depression between bones, is Yanggu."
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Lists Yanggu for treating "manic behavior, lockjaw, swelling of the neck, toothache, tinnitus, deafness, and febrile disease without sweating."
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Describes this point's ability to clear the mind and help patients who "suffer from manic behavior and lost mind, unable to distinguish the right choice."
How to Locate
On the ulnar side of the hand, palpate the wrist joint space and locate Yanggu SI-5 in the depression between the styloid process of the ulna and the triquetral bone.
Caution
Located near the ulnar nerve dorsal branch. Use gentle insertion technique and avoid aggressive manipulation. The point lies in a bony depression, so proper angle is essential to avoid periosteal irritation.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.3–0.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and soreness at the wrist, with possible radiation along the ulnar side of the forearm. Deqi typically manifests as a dull aching sensation in the depression between the ulnar styloid process and the carpal bones.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Questionable
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Fire-Huo
Transporting Type
River-Jing Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
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