Guanchong Point (TE-1 / Gate Thoroughfare)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Guanchong (TE-1 / Gate Thoroughfare). Learn its benefits for laryngitis, dry mouth, headache, heatstroke, and menopausal symptoms – the Sanjiao meridian Jing-Well point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Laryngitis (sore throat), dry mouth, headache, heatstroke, febrile diseases, syncope, red painful eyes, and tinnitus with deafness.
Precise Location
Located on the Sanjiao Meridian, on the ulnar side of the distal phalanx of the ring finger, 0.1 cun from the nail corner.
Location Method
Sit upright with the arm raised and elbow flexed, palm facing down. Lightly support the ring finger with the other hand, bend the thumb, and press with the thumbnail at the ulnar nail corner of the ring finger.
Massage Method
Press with the thumbnail at the nail corner of the ring finger. Apply to both sides once each morning and evening for 1–3 minutes, left first then right. Therapeutic actions: Clears and benefits the throat and tongue, drains heat and opens the orifices, activates blood and unblocks the collaterals.
Compatibility
Headache with dizziness: Combine with Taiyang (EX-HN5), Cuanzhu (BL-2), Yuyao (EX-HN4), Yangbai (GB-14), Sibai (ST-2), Yingxiang (LI-20), and Baihui (GV-20). Disease overview: Headache is pain in the upper half of the skull, including the supraorbital ridge, upper ear margin, and external occipital protuberance. Massage sequence: Massage Taiyang with both thumb pads – 9 times clockwise and 9 times counterclockwise; press Cuanzhu, Yuyao, Yangbai, Sibai, and Yingxiang with the middle finger pad for 15 seconds each until slight soreness is felt; press Baihui on the top of the head for 2 minutes; finally pinch Guanchong 30 times. Heatstroke: Combine with Shaoshang (LU-11), Zhongchong (PC-9), Shangyang (LI-1), and Guanchong (TE-1). Conjunctivitis: Combine with Jingming (BL-1), Cuanzhu (BL-2), Taiyang (EX-HN5), Guanchong (TE-1), and Hegu (LI-4). Sore throat: Combine with Shaoshang (LU-11) and Shangyang (LI-1). Headache and red eyes: Combine with Fengchi (GB-20) and Taiyang (EX-HN5). Tinnitus and deafness: Combine with Yifeng (TE-17), Tinggong (SI-19), and Zhongzhu (TE-3). Febrile diseases and syncope: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26) and Shixuan (EX-UE11).
Efficacy & Actions
From around age 40, women gradually experience physiological decline with reduced estrogen secretion. Tissues and organs controlled by estrogen – skin, mucosa, bones, internal organs, blood vessels, and nerves – also begin to degenerate, causing various menopausal symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, chest tightness, arrhythmia, depression, anxiety, fear, insomnia, suspicion, and decreased libido. Daily pressing of Guanchong can help alleviate these menopausal symptoms. This point belongs to the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian and is the Jing-Well point where the meridian qi emerges (corresponding to the Metal element in the five-element theory). It clears heat and opens the orifices, drains heat and relieves heatstroke, and unblocks the meridians and collaterals. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, face, throat, and febrile disorders, with reducing technique or pricking bleeding commonly applied. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Guan" means pass or gateway; "Chong" means thoroughfare. Located at the tip of the ring finger, this point is where Sanjiao Meridian qi rushes through the gateway – hence the name Guanchong (Gate Thoroughfare).
