Xiaxi Point (GB-43 / Cleft Stream, also known as Jiaxi)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Xiaxi (GB-43 / Cleft Stream). Learn its benefits for headache, tinnitus, deafness, and eye pain – the Gallbladder Ying-Spring point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Headache (migraine, frontal headache), tinnitus, deafness, eye pain, cheek swelling, dizziness, red painful eyes, and chest and hypochondriac pain.
Precise Location
On the dorsum of the foot, between the 4th and 5th toes, posterior to the web margin, at the junction of the red and white skin.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. On the dorsum of the foot, between the 4th and 5th toes, posterior to the web margin at the junction of the red and white skin – firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Xiaxi with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat headache, tinnitus, and deafness. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and disperses wind, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, and clears the head and sharpens hearing.
Compatibility
Dizziness, tinnitus, and deafness: Combine with Yangbai (GB-14), Fengchi (GB-20), and Toulinqi (GB-15). Headache: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20), Taiyang (EX-HN5), and Shuaigu (GB-8). Red painful eyes and eye pain: Combine with Jingming (BL-1) and Taiyang (EX-HN5). Cheek swelling and toothache: Combine with Jiache (ST-6), Xiaguan (ST-7), and Hegu (LI-4). Chest and hypochondriac pain: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34) and Zhigou (TE-6).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the Ying-Spring point where the meridian qi flows (corresponding to the Water element in the five-element theory). It clears heat and disperses wind, unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain, and clears the head and sharpens hearing. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, facial, and ear disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Xia" means to flank or be beside; "Xi" means stream or gully. Located in the depression between the 4th and 5th toes on the dorsum of the foot, beside a stream-like groove – hence the name Xiaxi (Cleft Stream). It is also known as "Jiaxi."
Contraindications
Located between the toes on the dorsum of the foot, needling depth should be carefully controlled – generally 0.3–0.5 cun vertically. Moxibustion is permissible.
