SI-6

Yanglao SI-6

Nourishing the Aged · 养老 · Yǎng Lǎo

Small Intestine Meridian

Xi-Cleft Point

Needle Depth

0.3–0.8 cun

Needle Angle

45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)

Body Area

Wrist

Location

Dorsal to the head of the ulna. When the palm faces the chest, Yanglao SI-6 is in the bony depression on the radial side of the styloid process of the ulna.

Previous on channel

Yanggu SI-5

Next on channel

Zhizheng SI-7

Main Actions

Opens the Channel and eases pain
Benefits the eyes

Indications

Eye pain Red elbow Shoulder pain Blurred vision Upper arm pain Swelling elbow Sinew contracture

Commentary

As the Accumulation-Xi point, Yanggu SI-6 is mostly used to remove the Obstruction from the Small Intestine Channel, so that it can relieve the pain, stiffness and swollen of the sinews along the Channel, such as shoulder, upper arm and elbow. It is also effective in feet as the Small intestine channel connects to the Bladder Channel which goes to the feet within the Greater Yang

It also benefits the eyes when the disorder is related to the Heart or Small Intestine patterns. The typical symptoms are blurred vision and eye pain.

Classical Sources

Zhēn Jiǔ Jiǎ Yǐ Jīng (針灸甲乙經, The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 282 CE):
"Yǎnglǎo, shǒu tàiyáng xì, zài shǒu huáigǔ shàng yī kōng, wàn hòu yī cùn xiàn zhě zhōng."
(養老，手太陽郄，在手踝骨上一空，腕後一寸陷者中。)
"Yanglao, the Xi-Cleft point of Hand Taiyang, is located in a depression one cun proximal to the wrist, above the ankle bone of the hand [ulnar styloid]."

Jīn Zhēn Méi Huā Shī Chāo (金針梅花詩鈔, Golden Needle Plum Blossom Poetry):
"Lǎo lái liǎng mù jiàn hūn huā, liǎng bì suān téng yòu dài má. Yǎnglǎo xué néng zhēn yǎng lǎo, wàn biān ruì gǔ fèng wéi jiā."
(老來兩目漸昏花，兩臂酸疼又帶麻。養老穴能真養老，腕邊銳骨縫為家。)
"In old age the eyes gradually become dim and blurred, the arms ache and feel numb. The Yanglao point can truly nourish the aged; it makes its home in the cleft beside the sharp bone at the wrist."

Shù Xué Mìng Míng Huì Jiě (腧穴命名匯解, Collection of Explanations of Acupoint Names):
"Yǎng lǎo, yì zhě wéi yǎng, yǐ qí gāi xué zhǔ zhì mù shì bù míng, ěr bì bù wén, jiān yù zhé, shǒu bù néng shàng xià."
(養老，益者為養，以其該穴主治目視不明，耳閉不聞，肩欲折，手不能上下。)
"Yanglao means 'nourishing' in the sense of benefiting; this point mainly treats unclear vision, blocked ears unable to hear, shoulders that feel as if breaking, and hands unable to move up and down."

How to Locate

First rest the palm on the chest, identify the styloid process and locate Yanglao SI-6 in the bony depression on the radial side of the styloid process.

Caution

The point is located in a narrow bony cleft near the ulnar styloid process. Proper positioning is essential: have the patient place their palm against their chest to open the cleft for accurate location. Needle carefully within the bony depression to avoid periosteum. The area contains the dorsal interosseous artery and vein branches, as well as the posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve and ulnar nerve branches.

Needle Angle

45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)

Depth Category

Shallow

Standard Depth

0.3–0.8 cun

Needling Directions

0.3–0.8 cun vertically or slightly obliquely in a proximal direction towards Neiguan P-6 or along the tendon towards the elbow joint.

Expected Deqi Sensation

Soreness and distension at the point, with numbness spreading to the hand and wrist. The sensation may radiate proximally toward the elbow or even to the shoulder. When needled obliquely toward Neiguan PC-6, a strong electrical sensation may travel along the forearm.

Moxibustion

Recommended

Duration: 10–20 minutes

Cupping

Questionable

Bloodletting

N/A

Gua Sha

Questionable

Special Point Classifications

Xi-Cleft Point

Commonly Combined Points

Tianzhu

Fengchi

Hegu

Quchi

Waiguan

Taichong

Zusanli

Classical Point Combinations

For Blurred Vision & Eye Disorders

Yanglao SI-6 + Tianzhu BL-10 + Fengchi GB-20: Disperses wind and brightens the eyes. Used for wind invasion causing blurred vision, visual disturbances, and eye strain. The Xi-Cleft nature of SI-6 makes it especially effective for acute eye conditions.

For Vision Problems with Systemic Deficiency

Yanglao SI-6 + Taichong LR-3 + Zusanli ST-36: Treats dimness of vision due to Qi and Blood deficiency. Zusanli nourishes Qi and Blood while Taichong regulates Liver Qi (which opens to the eyes). This combination addresses the root cause of age-related vision decline.

For Shoulder, Arm & Upper Back Pain

Yanglao SI-6 + Hegu LI-4 + Quchi LI-11 + Jianzhongshu SI-15 + Shousanli LI-10: Activates the channel and alleviates pain in the upper extremity. As the Xi-Cleft point, SI-6 is particularly effective for acute, severe pain that feels as if the shoulder or arm is broken or dislocated.

For Acute Lumbar Sprain

Yanglao SI-6 + Waiguan SJ-5: Treats acute low back sprain through the Taiyang channel connection. The Small Intestine channel connects with the Bladder channel, allowing SI-6 to treat lumbar region disorders. Especially effective when needled with strong manipulation during an acute episode.

For Wrist Pain & Motor Impairment

Yanglao SI-6 + Waiguan SJ-5 + Yangchi SJ-4: Relaxes sinews and activates collaterals for wrist drop, wrist pain, and restricted wrist movement. This local combination effectively addresses disorders of the wrist joint.

Related Resources

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