Xiyangguan Point (GB-33 / Knee Yang Pass, also known as Hanfu, Yangguan)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Xiyangguan (GB-33 / Knee Yang Pass). Learn its benefits for knee pain, popliteal contracture, calf numbness, and hemiplegia – the meeting point of Gallbladder and Yang Wei – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Knee and patellar swelling with pain, popliteal tendon contracture (stiffness with limited flexion/extension), calf numbness, knee pain, lower limb bi-pain, and hemiplegia.
Precise Location
On the knee, at the upper border of the lateral epicondyle of the femur, in the depression between the biceps femoris tendon and the iliotibial tract.
Location Method
Sit upright with the knee flexed or lie laterally. On the lateral knee, at the upper border of the lateral epicondyle of the femur (the bony prominence on the lateral knee), in the depression between the biceps femoris tendon (posterior) and the iliotibial tract (anterior) – 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 Xiyangguan with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat knee and leg pain. Therapeutic actions: Relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, dispels wind and cold, frees and benefits the joints, and reduces swelling and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Hemiplegia: Combine with Quchi (LI-11). Knee and patellar swelling with pain and knee pain: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34), Dubi (ST-35), and Xiyan (EX-LE4, EX-LE5). Lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome: Combine with Huantiao (GB-30), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Zusanli (ST-36). Calf numbness: Combine with Chengshan (BL-57) and Kunlun (BL-60). Popliteal tendon contracture: Combine with Weizhong (BL-40) and Chengjin (BL-56).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and is the meeting point of the Gallbladder Meridian and the Yang Wei Vessel. It relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, dispels wind and cold, frees and benefits the joints, and reduces swelling and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating knee joint and lower limb disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Xi" refers to the knee; "Yang" refers to the lateral side and yang meridians; "Guan" means pass or pivot. Located on the lateral knee, this point is the pivot for knee flexion and extension – hence the name Xiyangguan (Knee Yang Pass). It is also known as "Hanfu" and "Yangguan."
