Finger Stiffnessaccording to TCM

What is Finger Stiffness?

Finger stiffness, often described as a sensation of inflexibility or rigidity in the fingers, is a common complaint that can arise from various causes. This condition can manifest as difficulty in moving the fingers freely, a sensation of tightness, or discomfort during finger movement. It's not just limited to physical discomfort but can also impact daily activities, making simple tasks challenging.

How Does TCM View Finger Stiffness?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, finger stiffness is often viewed through the lens of energy flow, or Qi, and blood circulation within the body. According to TCM, such stiffness could be a result of blocked or Stagnated Qi and Blood in the meridians that pass through the fingers.

This blockage can be caused by external factors like cold and dampness or internal issues such as imbalances in Yin and Yang, Qi, or blood. TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the underlying pattern of disharmony causing the stiffness to effectively address the symptom.

Acupoints for Finger Stiffness

In TCM, treating finger stiffness often involves using specific acupoints that help in harmonizing and unblocking the flow of Qi and blood. Points on the Large Intestine Channel such as Hegu (LI-4), Sanjian (LI-3), and Yangxi (LI-5) are commonly used. These points are known for their effectiveness in expelling wind and regulating Qi, as well as benefiting the ears, eyes, nose, and mouth.

Additionally, points on the Triple Burner Channel like Waiguan (TB-5) and Zhongzhu (TB-3) are selected for their ability to expel Wind-Heat and clear heat in the head, besides benefiting the ears and removing obstructions from the channel. Baxie (EX-UE-9), a group of eight points located between the webs of the fingers, are also utilized for their properties in clearing heat and relaxing the sinews. Lastly, Kongzui (LU-6) on the Lung Channel is chosen for its role in regulating and descending Lung Qi and cooling blood heat.

Each of these acupoints has a unique location and set of actions that contribute to alleviating finger stiffness. A TCM practitioner would choose specific points and treatment methods based on the individual's unique pattern of disharmony, ensuring a personalized approach to healing.

Explore below some acupoints used to address finger stiffness, organized by meridian.

Sanjian LI-3

Located on the radial side of the index finger, in the depression proximal to the head of the 2nd metacarpal bone.

Hegu LI-4

Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

Yangxi LI-5

On the radial side of the wrist. When the thumb is tilted upward, it is in the depression on the wrist joint space (wrist crease) between the tendons of extensor pollicis longus and brevis muscles.

Zhongzhu TB-3

When the hand is placed with the palm facing downward, Zhongzhu TB-3 is on the hand dorsum between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones, in the depression proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joints, at the junction between the heads and shaft of the two metacarpal bones.

Waiguan TB-5

2 cun above Yangchi TB-4 at the dorsal wrist joint space, between the radius and ulna.

Baxie EX-UE-9

This is a group of 8 points in both hand, 4 points per each hand. Slightly proximal to the margins of the webs between the fingers, on the border of the red and white skin.

Kongzui LU-6

On the palmar aspect of the forearm, on the line joining Taiyuan LU-9 and Chize LU-5, 7 cun above Taiyuan LU-9.