Waiguan point, "wai" refers to the surface of the body; "guan" refers to a passageway. The point is located 2 inches behind the wrist joint, between the two bones, opposite to the Neiguan point. It is a key point where the Hand Shaoyang and Foot Jueyin channels connect, and it is also connected to the Yangwei meridian. Let's take a look at the functions and benefits of Waiguan point.
The Functions of Waiguan Point
Waiguan point is one of the commonly used acupuncture points in the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao meridian. When the pathogenic heat easily rises to the head and face, stimulating this point regularly can have a good therapeutic effect on various heat-related diseases. As the point is located on the upper limbs, it also has a good effect on various disorders of the upper limb musculoskeletal system.
The Main Functions and Indications of Waiguan Point
Waiguan point has the effects of dispelling wind and dampness, promoting meridian circulation, relieving numbness and pain, and clearing heat and resolving surface manifestations. It is mainly used to treat fever, headache, deafness, tinnitus, redness, swelling and pain of the eyes, chest and hypochondrium pain, shoulder and back pain, difficulty in flexion and extension of the elbow and arm, pain in the tendons and bones of the upper limbs, hand tremors, cold, trigeminal neuralgia, hypertension and other diseases. This point is a key point for treating pain and numbness in the upper limbs.
The Benefits of Moxibustion on Waiguan Point
Waiguan point is an important acupuncture point in the Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao meridian and is a collateral point of the Sanjiao meridian. The collateral channels originating from this point go inward towards the pericardium, so moxibustion on this point can effectively treat diseases of both meridians.
Waiguan point is also a meeting point of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels and is connected to the Yangwei meridian, which is associated with "suffering from cold and heat". When the key point of the Shaoyang meridian is obstructed, symptoms of alternating cold and heat may occur. Moxibustion on the Waiguan point can be used to treat headaches, tinnitus, redness, swelling and pain of the eyes caused by heat-related diseases, as well as pain in both sides of the chest and abdomen, bitter taste and dry throat, toothache, and headache from a cold.
Moxibustion Method on Waiguan Point
After igniting the moxa stick, place it about 2-3 centimeters above the Waiguan point, without causing any burning sensation, allowing the warmth to spread deeper and further away. Generally, each moxibustion session lasts for 10-15 minutes, and the degree of redness in the local area is used as a guide. Moxibustion can be done once a day or every other day.
