He Gu is the original point of the Large Intestine meridian. He means gathering or converging, and Gu means the space between two mountains. The name of this point refers to the convergence of the qi and blood of the Large Intestine meridian that comes from the three arm points, forming a powerful water and moist cloud-like energy field, hence the name. This point is an important acupoint for relieving toothache. Let's take a look at the accurate location diagram of He Gu and how to press it to relieve toothache.
Accurate Location Diagram of He Gu
Precise location: On the back of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, at the midpoint of the radial side of the 2nd metacarpal bone.
Easy way to locate: Align the transverse lines of the first joint of one thumb with the edge of the tiger's mouth of the other hand, bend the thumb and press down, and the point where the fingertip points is the He Gu point.
Functions and Indications of He Gu
He Gu can activate the meridians and collaterals, clear heat and release the exterior, and calm and relieve pain. It is suitable for headaches, toothaches, red and swollen eyes, tight closure of the jaw, coma, facial and eye deviation, deafness, mumps, sore throat, fever without sweating, excessive sweating, abdominal pain, constipation, tight closure, and difficult childbirth.
Functions of He Gu Point
1. He Gu is the original point of the Hand Yangming meridian, which is good at clearing and purging Yangming's stagnation and dispersing wind evils in the face and teeth. It can regulate the meridians and collaterals of the head and face, making it an important acupoint for treating fever and various disorders of the head and face.
2. As the Large Intestine meridian is paired with the Lung meridian, and He Gu is directly connected to the collateral vessel of the Lung meridian, this point has the functions of ventilating the lungs, dispersing wind and releasing the exterior, promoting sweating and purging heat, making it an important acupoint for treating exterior syndromes. For sweating disorders, this point has a bidirectional regulatory effect—it can induce sweating when there is no sweating, and stop sweating when there is excessive sweating. Additionally, the heat-purging effect of He Gu can also be used for treating fever due to malaria.
3. He Gu is the original point of the Large Intestine meridian and the place where the vital energy of the Large Intestine meridian is infused. The Large Intestine meridian passes through the lung and stomach, so it can regulate the function of the intestines and stomach, promote digestion, relieve gas, and stop pain, and it is used to treat various gastrointestinal disorders.
4. He Gu is located at the tiger's mouth, which is a major observation point for the body's qi and blood. It is also good at extinguishing wind, calming spasms, awakening the brain, and is used to treat convulsions, seizures, mania, and epilepsy.
5. The Yangming meridian is abundant in qi and blood, and He Gu is the original point of the Yangming meridian and a key acupoint for regulating the body's qi and blood. By regulating qi, it can promote blood circulation and relieve pain.
6. The Lung governs the skin and hair and is paired with the Large Intestine meridian. Therefore, He Gu can be used to expel heat toxins and relieve skin disorders caused by heat and stagnation of toxins.
7. He Gu is a major acupoint for activating the meridians and collaterals, relaxing tendons, and promoting flexibility. It can treat pain, numbness, coldness, fever, and paralysis in the areas along the Large Intestine meridian.
Combining He Gu with Other Acupoints for Treatment
Combine with Tai Yang to treat headaches; combine with Tai Chong to treat red and swollen eyes; combine with Ying Xiang to treat nasal disorders; combine with Shao Shang to treat sore throat; combine with San Yin Jiao to treat menstrual disorders and difficult childbirth; combine with Di Cang and Jia Che to treat facial and eye deviation; combine with Shang Guan to treat headaches and toothaches; combine with Feng Chi, Lie Que, and Wai Guan to treat colds; combine with Qu Chi to treat upper limb paralysis.
How to Press He Gu to Relieve Toothache
Main acupoints: Jia Che and He Gu.
Additional acupoints: Xia Guan and Nei Ting.
Massage steps: 1. Gently press Jia Che and Xia Guan with the thumb or index finger pad until it feels comfortable, and continue for 3-5 minutes; 2. Use the palm or fingers to gently rub and massage the painful tooth or swollen cheek area, using moderate force and slow and gentle movements, for 3-5 minutes; 3. Use the thumb or index finger pad to apply firm pressure on He Gu and Nei Ting, adjusting the intensity based on the patient's tolerance, and persist for 5-10 minutes.
