The Nei Lao Gong is also known as the Pericardium Meridian of Hand Jueyin. It is a commonly used acupoint in pediatric massage therapy. Let's take a look at the accurate location and function of the Nei Lao Gong.
Accurate Location of Nei Lao Gong
Location: It is located in the center of the palm, slightly to the third metacarpal bone between the second and third metacarpal bones, at the tip of the middle finger when making a fist.
Acupoint Selection: The midpoint between the middle finger and ring finger tips when the fingers are flexed.
Massage Technique for Nei Lao Gong
Place the thumb on the midpoint between the tips of the flexed middle finger in the center of the palm. The practitioner uses the left hand to hold the patient's four fingers straight, and then uses the index and middle fingers of the right hand to grip the patient's thumb. The thumb nail is then pressed and kneaded, which is called "pinching and kneading Nei Lao Gong"; the middle finger is used to stimulate the acupoint, which is called "stimulating Nei Lao Gong".
Number of Operations for Nei Lao Gong
Kneading with the tip of the middle finger is called "kneading Nei Lao Gong", with 100-300 kneading actions; starting from the base of the little finger, pinch and stimulate along the small transverse crease of the palm, Small Heavenly Pool to Nei Lao Gong, called "stimulating Nei Lao Gong", with 15 stimulations and 3-5 pinches.
Functions of Nei Lao Gong
Clears heat and relieves restlessness, suppresses wind, cools blood, disperses wind and resolves surface, mainly used for restlessness and fever, mouth ulcers, restlessness and thirst, gingival ulceration, and rectal bleeding.
Clinical Applications of Nei Lao Gong
1. Kneading this acupoint can treat restlessness, mouth ulcers, and fever caused by excessive heat in the Heart Meridian.
2. Stimulating Nei Lao Gong is a combination technique that includes pinching, kneading, and stimulating. It can be used to treat restlessness, night terrors, and symptoms of Yin deficiency and internal heat caused by heat in both the Heart and Kidney Meridians.
3. One massage technique that focuses on the Nei Lao Gong acupoint is called "Water Bottom Fishing for the Moon". The specific technique involves moistening the acupoint with cold water and using rotational pushing in the palm while blowing air. It is usually performed starting from the base of the little finger, then moving to the small transverse crease, Small Heavenly Pool, and the inner edge of the Large Fish Border, and finally reaching Nei Lao Gong. This technique can clear heat, cool blood, and induce sweating.
