Tiao, a wooden bar, also refers to wind; Kou, the gateway for the passage of qi and blood. The name of this acupoint implies the water, dampness, and cloudy qi that come from the lower part of the sky above Ju Xu. Its quantity and range are both large, and when passing through the narrow channel of this acupoint, it is fast, like the wind. Hence the name. Now let's explain in detail the accurate location diagram and function of the Tiao Kou.
Accurate Location Diagram of Tiao Kou
Precise location: On the outer side of the lower leg, 8 cun below the calf's nose, 1 horizontal finger's width (middle finger) from the anterior margin of the tibia.
Easy acupoint selection: Sit with the knees flexed, find the acupoint Zu San Li, and then 5 cun vertically downward from there is the acupoint Tiao Kou.
Anatomical Structure of Tiao Kou Acupoint
Between the anterior tibial muscle and the long extensor muscle of the toes; there are anterior tibial arteries and veins; the lateral cutaneous nerve of the fibular nerve and the cutaneous branch of the sural nerve are distributed; deep to them is the deep fibular nerve.
Functions and Effects of Tiao Kou Acupoint
Functions: Regulating meridians and collaterals, dispelling wind and dampness, strengthening tendons and bones.
Indications: Abdominal pain, lower limb weakness, paralysis, foot swelling and cramping, numbness of the lower leg, shoulder pain and stiffness.
Mechanism of action: Tiao Kou acupoint belongs to the Stomach meridian and is located in the lower leg. Due to the abundance of Qi and blood in the Yangming meridian, this acupoint has a strong effect in regulating meridians and collaterals, promoting blood circulation, dispelling wind, dispelling cold, and eliminating dampness. It is mainly used to treat diseases of the Extra Meridians in the lower limbs. The strong effect of this acupoint in regulating meridians and expelling pathogenic factors, as well as strengthening tendons and bones, can also be used to treat diseases of the tendons and meridians such as adhesive capsulitis, torticollis, and lumbar sprain.
Common Combinations for Tiao Kou Acupoint Therapy
1. Combined with Huan Tiao, Feng Shi, Zu San Li, Yang Ling Quan, Cheng Shan, and Xuan Zhong, needling with reinforcing and reducing method, dispel cold and dampness, relax tendons and relieve pain, treat lower limb weakness, cold and pain in the lower leg, numbness, cramping, etc.
2. Combined with Jie Xi, Kun Lun, Tai Chong, Zu Lin Qi, needling with reinforcing and reducing method, dredge meridians and reduce swelling, treat foot swelling caused by poor circulation of qi and blood.
3. Combined with Cheng Shan, Jian Yu, Jian Liao, Yang Ling Quan, needling with reducing method, Tiao Kou acupoint can connect with Cheng Shan, promote blood circulation and unblock meridians, treat shoulder pain, limited movement caused by stagnation of qi and blood, etc.
4. Combined with Tian Shu, Qi Hai, Shang Ju Xu, needling with reinforcing and reducing method, moxibustion on Qi Hai acupoint, dispel cold and dampness, treat abdominal pain caused by cold stagnation, and cold diarrhea.
Massage Method for Tiao Kou Acupoint Health Care
Use the thumb pad to vertically knead the Tiao Kou acupoint for 1-3 minutes each time. Massage regularly every day to enhance gastrointestinal function, improve blood circulation in the lower limbs, and relieve knee joint pain and lower limb coldness.
