Yangchi Point (TE-4 / Yang Pool, also known as Bieyang)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Yangchi (TE-4 / Yang Pool). Learn its benefits for cold hands, morning sickness, tinnitus, and red eyes – the Sanjiao meridian Yuan-Source point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Morning sickness (hyperemesis gravidarum), tinnitus, deafness, red swollen eyes, wrist pain, diabetes, wrist weakness, and wind-cold colds.
Precise Location
Located on the Sanjiao Meridian, on the wrist, on the dorsal wrist crease, opposite the web between the middle and ring fingers, in the depression on the ulnar side of the extensor digitorum communis tendon.
Location Method
Sit upright with the hand extended, elbow flexed inward, palm facing down. Lightly hold the wrist with the other hand, four fingers below and thumb above – bend the thumb and press vertically at the midpoint of the dorsal wrist crease.
Massage Method
Bend the thumb and knead vertically at the midpoint of the wrist crease – a sore and painful sensation will occur. Apply once each morning and evening for 1–3 minutes on each side, left first then right. Therapeutic actions: Clears heat and unblocks the collaterals, regulates the Sanjiao, benefits yin and increases fluids.
Compatibility
Sore throat: Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Shaoshang (LU-11), Renying (ST-9), and Yangchi (TE-4). Disease overview: Sore throat is characterized by redness, swelling, pain, and difficulty swallowing – also known as "throat obstruction." Massage sequence: Alternately press Hegu for 1 minute on each side; flick Shaoshang with the thumb and middle finger more than ten times on each side; knead Renying (1.5 cun lateral to the Adam's apple) for 1 minute; finally press Yangchi 30 times. Diabetes: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36), Xuehai (SP-10), Liangqiu (ST-34), and Chengshan (BL-57). Deafness: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Xiaguan (ST-7), Taichong (LR-3), and Yangchi (TE-4). Tinnitus and deafness: Combine with Yifeng (TE-17), Tinggong (SI-19), and Zhongzhu (TE-3). Wrist pain and weakness: Combine with Yangxi (LI-5) and Hegu (LI-4). Red swollen eyes: Combine with Taiyang (EX-HN5) and Fengchi (GB-20).
Efficacy & Actions
Yangchi effectively treats coldness in women, especially during autumn and winter when many women suffer from cold hands, cold feet, and lumbar coldness. Massaging Yangchi on the dorsal wrist can solve this problem. Additionally, for pregnant women, massaging Yangchi can help regulate morning sickness. This point belongs to the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian and is the Yuan-Source point of this meridian. It clears heat and unblocks the collaterals, regulates the Sanjiao, and benefits yin and increases fluids. It is a commonly used key point for treating wrist disorders and head-face-orificial conditions. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Yang" refers to yang qi; "Chi" means pool or gathering place. Located on the dorsal wrist, this point is where Sanjiao Meridian yang qi gathers like a pool – hence the name Yangchi (Yang Pool). It is also known as "Bieyang."
Contraindications
Located on the dorsal wrist, needling depth should be carefully controlled – generally 0.3–0.5 cun vertically, avoiding excessive depth to prevent injury to blood vessels and tendons. Moxibustion is permissible but rarely used.
