Yanglao Point (SI-6 / Nourishing Elder)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Yanglao (SI-6 / Nourishing Elder). Learn its benefits for presbyopia, blurred vision, stiff neck, acute lumbar pain, and hiccups – the Small Intestine Xi-Cleft point for geriatric conditions – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Myocardial infarction, stiff neck, hiccups, presbyopia, blurred vision, and acute lumbar pain.
Precise Location
Located on the Small Intestine Meridian. With the elbow flexed and the palm facing the chest, in the depression superior to the radial edge of the ulnar styloid process.
Location Method
Place the palm facing downward, press the highest point of the ulnar head with the index finger of the other hand; then turn the palm toward the chest – the point is where the finger slips into the bony crevice.
Massage Method
Press vertically downward with the index fingertip – a sore and distending sensation will occur. Apply to both sides for 1–3 minutes each. Therapeutic actions: Clears the mind and brightens the eyes, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, regulates qi and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Presbyopia: Combine with Taichong (LR-3), Zusanli (ST-36), and Yanglao (SI-6). Disease overview: Presbyopia is difficulty with near vision due to aging – lens hardening, reduced elasticity, and decreased ciliary muscle contraction leading to accommodative decline and far-shifted near point. Massage sequence: First press Taichong 30 times, scrape Zusanli 20 times, then knead Yanglao for 3 minutes. Acute myocardial infarction: Combine with Sanyinjiao (SP-6), Juque (RN-14), Xinping (EX), Zusanli (ST-36), Tanzhong (RN-17), and Yanglao (SI-6). Acute lumbar sprain: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26) and Yanglao (SI-6).
Efficacy & Actions
Improper sleeping posture or unsuitable pillow height can overstretch neck muscles, causing stiff neck. Some people have restless sleep, repeatedly awakened by urinary urges but unable to urinate or only passing a small amount; others experience frequent urination. If you have these symptoms, massaging Yanglao can help regulate them. This point belongs to the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian and is the Xi-Cleft point of this meridian. It clears the mind and brightens the eyes, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, regulates qi and relieves pain. It is a commonly used point for treating eye disorders, shoulder-back and elbow pain, and geriatric conditions. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. “Yang” means to nourish or support; “Lao” means elderly or aged. This point is especially effective for age-related eye disorders and back pain, with the effect of nourishing the elderly – hence the name Yanglao (Nourishing Elder).
