Sidu Point (TE-9 / Four Rivers)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Sidu (TE-9 / Four Rivers). Learn its benefits for sudden loss of voice, deafness, toothache, and arm pain – the Sanjiao meridian point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Sudden loss of voice (aphonia), deafness, lower toothache, eye disorders, forearm and arm soreness with pain, and sore throat.
Precise Location
In the posterior forearm region, 5 cun below the elbow tip (olecranon), at the midpoint between the ulna and radius.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine with the arm extended and palm facing down. Measure 5 cun (approximately 7 finger-widths) downward from the elbow tip (olecranon) – the point is in the depression between the ulna and radius on the dorsal forearm, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. Press and knead Sidu with the thumb about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes daily, to treat forearm and arm soreness. Therapeutic actions: Unblocks the meridians and collaterals, opens the orifices and sharpens hearing, clears heat and benefits the throat.
Compatibility
Sudden loss of voice (aphonia): Combine with Yamen (GV-15) and Lianquan (RN-23). Deafness and tinnitus: Combine with Tinggong (SI-19), Yifeng (TE-17), and Zhongzhu (TE-3). Lower toothache: Combine with Jiache (ST-6), Xiaguan (ST-7), and Hegu (LI-4). Forearm and arm soreness: Combine with Quchi (LI-11) and Waiguan (TE-5). Sore throat: Combine with Shaoshang (LU-11) and Hegu (LI-4).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian and is the Jing-River point of this meridian. It unblocks the meridians and collaterals, opens the orifices and sharpens hearing, and clears heat and benefits the throat. It is a commonly used key point for treating head, face, and upper limb disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Si" means four directions; "Du" means rivers. Located on the lateral forearm, this point is where Sanjiao Meridian qi flows in four directions like rivers – hence the name Sidu (Four Rivers).
