Yaoyangguan Point (GV-3 / Lumbar Yang Pass, also known as Yangguan, Jiyangguan)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Yaoyangguan (GV-3 / Lumbar Yang Pass). Learn its benefits for lumbosacral pain, sciatica, reproductive disorders, and menstrual irregularities – the Governor Vessel point for warming yang – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Lumbosacral pain, lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome, spermatorrhea, impotence, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea, lumbar and spinal stiffness with pain, and cold pain of the lower limbs.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, in the depression below the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra, on the posterior midline.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie prone. On the posterior midline of the lumbar region, at the intersection of the line connecting the highest points of both iliac crests with the spine (approximately at the 4th lumbar vertebra) – the point is in the depression below this spinous process.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Yaoyangguan with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat lumbar and leg pain. Therapeutic actions: Strengthens the lumbar region and tonifies the kidney, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, warms yang and disperses cold, and regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea.
Compatibility
Sciatica: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Huantiao (GB-30), Zusanli (ST-36), and Weizhong (BL-40). Lumbosacral pain: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Dachangshu (BL-25), and Weizhong (BL-40). Spermatorrhea and impotence: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Guanyuan (RN-4), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Irregular menstruation and leukorrhea: Combine with Guanyuan (RN-4), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Xuehai (SP-10). Lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome: Combine with Huantiao (GB-30), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Zusanli (ST-36).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Governor Vessel (Du Mai) and is located in the depression below the spinous process of the 4th lumbar vertebra. It strengthens the lumbar region and tonifies the kidney, unblocks the meridians and collaterals, warms yang and disperses cold, and regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea. It is a commonly used key point for treating lumbosacral and reproductive system disorders. First documented in Suwen · Gukong Lun. "Yao" refers to the lumbar region; "Yang" refers to yang qi; "Guan" means pass or pivot. Located in the lumbar region, this point serves as a key passage for yang qi – hence the name Yaoyangguan (Lumbar Yang Pass). It is also known as "Yangguan" and "Jiyangguan."
Contraindications
Located in the lumbar region – needling depth should be carefully controlled, generally 0.5–1 cun vertically, avoiding excessive depth. Moxibustion is permissible, especially effective for warming yang and dispersing cold.
