Hegu, also known as the "Tiger's Mouth," belongs to the Hand Yangming Large Intestine meridian. It is called "gu" because it is a meeting point for the muscles, and it is called "he" because it connects two places. It is also a crossroad where multiple meridians intersect. The Yangming meridian is responsible for transporting abundant Qi and blood, so this acupoint has the function of regulating Qi, promoting blood circulation, and relieving pain. It is an effective acupoint for treating various types of pain and stagnant Qi and blood. Now let's explain in detail the functions and effects of Hegu.
Location of Hegu Acupoint
Between the first and second metacarpal bones on the back of the hand, near the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal bone; or align the transverse lines of the thumb joint with the edge of the Tiger's Mouth, press down with the thumb, and it is located at the tip of the thumb.
Method of Locating Hegu Acupoint
Bend one thumb and open the Tiger's Mouth with the other hand, naturally align the two hands, and place the bent tip of the thumb joint at the Tiger's Mouth. The thumb will naturally rest on the acupoint.
Anatomical Structure of Hegu Acupoint
Located in the muscle on the north side of the first metacarpal bone, with the deep layer being the transverse head of the flexor pollicis brevis muscle. It is near the back of the hand vein network, right where the radial artery passes into the palm. It also has the superficial branch of the radial nerve on the back of the hand, and the deep part is the intrinsic nerve of the median nerve on the palmar side of the finger.
Health Benefits of Hegu Acupoint
Hegu is the original acupoint of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine meridian, which is the site where the body's vital energy passes through and lingers. Regular massage of this acupoint has the effects of promoting meridian circulation, clearing heat, relieving surface symptoms, and calming and relieving pain. It is mainly used to treat headaches, red and swollen eyes, nosebleeds, toothaches, clenched teeth, coma, facial asymmetry, deafness, mumps, sore throat, fever without sweating, excessive sweating, abdominal pain, constipation, constipation, and difficult childbirth. Hegu is a necessary acupoint for treating facial paralysis that commonly occurs in autumn and winter.
Understanding the Therapeutic Principles of Hegu Acupoint
Hegu is the original acupoint of the Large Intestine meridian. Due to its close relationship with the Sanjiao meridian, it originates from the Qi between the kidneys below the navel, which is related to the body's Qi transformation function. It is a crucial acupoint for enhancing overall function. Therefore, Hegu has multiple functions, including dispersing wind and relieving surface symptoms, promoting Qi circulation, regulating the intestines and stomach, calming the mind, and promoting meridian circulation. The branch channels of the Large Intestine meridian extend from the deficiency basin, go up the neck, pass through the cheeks, enter the lower gum, and then circle around the lips, crossing at the Renzhong acupoint. They run on both sides of the nostrils. The meridian starts at the fingertips of the four fingers and ends at the wrist, running along the forearm, outside the elbow, the upper arm, and reaching the head and face. Therefore, this acupoint mainly passes through various parts of the face and mouth, and is used to treat various diseases such as head and facial disorders, fever without sweating, excessive sweating, abdominal pain, menstruation disorders, difficult childbirth, wind rash, and infantile convulsions.
Massage Technique for Hegu Acupoint
Press the Hegu acupoint with the thumb pad and index finger pad of one hand. Apply force towards the little finger direction, rather than pressing straight up and down on the back of the hand. Press the acupoint for 1-3 minutes each time, and it should produce a sense of pain. Long-term massage can strengthen the body's resistance to diseases, harmonize the spleen and stomach, lower blood pressure, and improve symptoms such as headaches, blurred vision, insomnia, and coma.
