Yanglingquan is the meeting point of the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and the meeting point of the tendons. The Huangdi Neijing states, "It treats the internal organs," "If there is pathogenic factor in the organs, use the meeting points," and "For gallbladder disease, use Yanglingquan for those with cold or heat symptoms." Now let's take a look at the benefits of massaging Yanglingquan.
The Origin of the Name Yanglingquan
The acupoint Yanglingquan is named after its location. The Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian belongs to the yang meridian, and the outside of the knee is also yang. The head of the fibula resembles a hill, and the depression below it resembles a deep spring where the qi flows like water, hence the name.
Locating Yanglingquan Acupoint
Use your right palm to lightly grasp the front lower part of the left knee, with the four fingers pointing inward. The depression below the outer side of the knee joint where the thumb pad is located is Yanglingquan.
The Benefits of Massaging Yanglingquan
Yanglingquan is the meeting point of the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian and also the meeting point of the tendons. It has the functions of soothing the liver and gallbladder, clearing damp-heat, and promoting smooth flow of the meridians and collaterals. This acupoint is essential for treating diseases of the gallbladder. Since the liver and gallbladder are closely related, this acupoint is also effective for relieving qi stagnation, blood stasis, and rib pain caused by liver and gallbladder disorders.
Diseases Treated by Massaging Yanglingquan
Massaging Yanglingquan can be used to treat liver and gallbladder diseases and diseases of the gallbladder. For severe and intense pain in the right upper abdomen caused by cholecystitis or gallstones, if it is difficult to administer medication due to distance from a hospital, the method of acupressure on Yanglingquan can be used to relieve the pain.
In modern times, Yanglingquan is commonly used to prevent and treat chest fullness, rib pain, jaundice, vomiting, back pain, sciatica, intercostal neuralgia, hepatitis, cholecystitis, hypertension, knee redness and swelling, leg pain and swelling, paralysis, hemiplegia, and sequelae of infantile paralysis.
How Many Times a Day to Massage Yanglingquan
Massage Yanglingquan twice a day. The specific massage methods are as follows:
1. When using the plucking method, place both thumbs on either side of Yanglingquan, with the remaining fingers assisting. First knead the acupoint for 1 minute, then vigorously pluck the tendons at the acupoint horizontally 3-5 times, until a sore and numb feeling is achieved.
2. Use both thumbs to press and knead Yanglingquan on both lower legs for 2 minutes.
3. Use the palms, the roots of the palms, and the fingertips together to vigorously rub up and down 50 times.
