Zhigou Point (TE-6 / Branch Ditch, also known as Feihu)
Regulates qi movement, descends rebellious qi and removes stagnation, clears the Sanjiao, and unblocks fu-organ qi. Based on its properties, it is clinically used for costochondritis, intercostal neuralgia, chest trauma, constipation, tinnitus, deafness, and herpes zoster.
Indications
Constipation, tinnitus, deafness, and shoulder-arm pain. (1) ENT disorders: Deafness, tinnitus, red painful eyes. (2) Constipation. (3) Qi stagnation disorders: Abdominal fullness, lumbar and back radiating pain, chest and hypochondriac fullness, belching, scrofula. (4) Others: Herpes zoster, hypochondriac pain, vomiting, stiff neck, cervical spondylosis, diabetes, etc.
Precise Location
Located on the Sanjiao Meridian, on the dorsal side of the forearm, on the line connecting Yangchi (TE-4) and the elbow tip, 3 cun above the dorsal wrist crease, between the ulna and radius.
Location Method
Sit upright with the hand extended, elbow flexed, palm facing the body, arm bent at approximately 90°. Lightly hold the wrist with the other hand – the point is where the little finger rests when the index finger is at Yangchi (TE-4).
Massage Method
Press vertically with the middle fingertip – 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 the Sanjiao, unblocks the fu-organ and descends rebellious qi, regulates qi movement.
Compatibility
Constipation: Combine with Daheng (SP-15). Disease overview: Constipation is characterized by infrequent bowel movements, prolonged intervals, dry hard stools with difficult passage, or difficult passage even with normal stool consistency – often accompanied by abdominal distension, pain, poor appetite, belching, or bloody stools. Massage sequence: Press Zhigou with the thumb pad 20 times, then massage Daheng for 3 minutes. Intercostal neuralgia: Combine with Dazhui (GV-14), Jianjing (GB-21), and Zhigou (TE-6). Chest and hypochondriac fullness: Combine with Shenfeng (KI-23), Tanzhong (RN-17), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Zhigou (TE-6). Heat-type constipation: Combine with Fenglong (ST-40). Blood-deficiency constipation: Combine with Zhaohai (KI-6). Qi-deficiency constipation: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36). Deficiency-cold constipation: Combine with Qihai (RN-6). Hypochondriac pain: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34) and Neiguan (PC-6). Deafness and tinnitus: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Tinghui (GB-2), and Yifeng (TE-17). Herpes zoster: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34) and Zulinqi (GB-41). Lumbar and back pain: Combine with Laogong (PC-8). Finger contracture: Combine with Baxie (EX-UE9) and Zhongzhu (TE-3).
Efficacy & Actions
Zhigou belongs to the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian and is the Jing-River point where the meridian qi flows, corresponding to the Fire element in the five-element theory. It clears heat and drains fire, regulates the zang-fu organs, and moves qi throughout the body. It is a key point for treating disorders caused by qi movement dysfunction – especially constipation and hypochondriac pain. Many people suffer from constipation – those who consume rich, heavy foods without exercise become overweight and develop constipation. Pregnant women often experience dry intestines and difficult bowel movements, and medication may harm the fetus. To relieve constipation, besides good lifestyle habits and dietary adjustments, regular massage of Zhigou and Dachangshu (BL-25) helps stimulate gastrointestinal motility and relieve constipation. (1) Key Point for Constipation: The Zhenjiu Shenshu states: "When the bowels are blocked and cannot pass, Zhigou has effective results." Needling Zhigou stimulates Sanjiao qi, allowing meridian qi to ascend and descend freely – when qi movement is smooth, fu-organ qi passes, and constipation is resolved. This point has been a specific point for constipation throughout history. The Miscellaneous Diseases Point Method Song states: "For deficient constipation, reinforce Zhigou." The Leijing Tuyi states: "When Sanjiao ministerial fire is blazing, and the bowels are blocked... Zhigou should be treated." Both excess and deficiency constipation can be treated with Zhigou – combined with Fenglong (ST-40) for heat-type constipation, and with Zhaohai (KI-6) for yin-deficiency constipation. The Yulong Ge states: "When constipation is stubborn and won't pass, Zhaohai is in the foot; combining it with Zhigou reveals the miraculous power." Zhigou is a specific point for constipation, used alone or combined with other points. (2) Specific Point for Hypochondriac Pain: As a Sanjiao Meridian point – the Sanjiao Meridian "enters the supraclavicular fossa, spreads over the chest, connects with the Pericardium, descends through the diaphragm, and connects to all three Sanjiao" – it widely distributes over the chest and hypochondrium. According to "where the meridian passes, there it treats," Zhigou regulates the meridian qi and unblocks the collaterals – effective for hypochondriac pain. The Biaoyou Fu states: "For hypochondriac pain, needle Feihu (Zhigou)." (3) Treats Herpes Zoster: Known in TCM as "snake sores," "spider sores," or "lumbar fire dan," herpes zoster has no specific treatment and generally resolves slowly. Zhigou can be effective, combined with bloodletting and cupping in the rash area plus surrounding needling. It clears zang-fu heat, disperses wind-heat or damp-toxin stagnating in the skin – combined with bloodletting and cupping to clear both interior and exterior heat, unblock the meridians, restore qi-blood circulation, and promote healing. (4) Effective Point for Chest and Abdominal Fullness: As a key point for moving qi, it is especially effective for chest and hypochondriac fullness, and abdominal fullness due to qi stagnation – often caused by liver qi stagnation or fu-organ qi dysfunction. Needling Zhigou regulates Sanjiao qi movement, relieves stagnation, and restores smooth qi flow, eliminating symptoms. The Zhouhou Ge states: "Feihu (Zhigou) unblocks stagnant qi, dispels wind, and brings peace." (5) Other Therapeutic Effects: This point has broad applications – also used for throat swelling, red painful eyes, stiff neck, cervical spondylosis, irregular menstruation, insufficient postpartum lactation, diabetes, scrofula, febrile diseases, vomiting, pleurisy, and various other conditions.
Contraindications
Zhigou is a key point for regulating qi movement disorders – clinically used to clear the Sanjiao and unblock fu-organ qi – reducing and regulating techniques are preferred; reinforcing is generally not suitable.
