What are the location and main functions of Hegu?

Hegu is an important acupuncture point in the body. It is located between the first and second metacarpal bones on the back of the hand, but closer to the second metacarpal bone, roughly in the middle of it. Judging from the effects of massage, the benefits it brings to the human body are enormous. For example, it can calm and relieve pain, promote menstruation, clear away heat and detoxify, and harmonize qi and blood. In addition, it also has good effects in treating severe colds.

1. Location of Hegu Point

Standard location: Hegu is on the dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal bone.

Hegu is located between the first and second metacarpal bones on the dorsum of the hand, near the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone; or when the thumb and index finger are together, it is in the center of the dorsal muscle bulge of the first interosseous bone; or place the transverse line of the thumb joint of one hand on the web edge between the thumb and index finger of the other hand, and the acupoint is under the tip of the thumb.

Hegu is located on the dorsum of the hand, at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal bone. Simple method: ① Put the thumb and index finger together and take it at the highest point. ② Place the transverse line of the knuckle of the thumb of one hand on the web between the thumb and index finger of the other hand. Bend the fingers and the acupoint is at the end of the thumb.

2. Efficacy and Function of Hegu Point

Hegu has the effects of calming and relieving pain, promoting menstruation, clearing away heat and relieving exterior symptoms.

Hegu has the effects of dispelling wind and relieving exterior symptoms, clearing away lung qi, and dredging the stomach and intestines.

The Large Intestine Meridian of Hand Yangming passes through the cheek, passes through the face, lips, and nose to connect with the Meridian of Foot Yangming. The Meridian of Foot Yangming is connected to the eye system. The collateral vessels of the Hand Yangming enter the ear. The tendons of the Hand Yangming Meridian are knotted in the cheek, chin (zygomatic area beside the nose), and chin (temporomandibular joint). “Wherever the meridian passes, the main treatment is reached”, so Hegu can be used to treat many diseases of the head, face, and five senses.

Women are based on blood, and gynecological diseases are mostly caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis. Hegu is the point where the original qi of the hand Taiyin meridian originates, so it is good at harmonizing qi and blood, dredge menstruation and relieve pain, and is used in the treatment of gynecological diseases.

The Hand Yangming Meridian belongs to the large intestine. "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine Lingshu·Nine Needles and Twelve Origins" states: "All these twelve origins are responsible for treating diseases of the five internal organs and six bowels." Therefore, Hegu can treat diseases of the large intestine.

The Yangming meridian has a lot of qi and blood, and Hegu is good at harmonizing qi and blood, dredge meridians and relieve pain, so it can be used for hemiplegia or upper limb pain.

The Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian and the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian are exterior and interior to each other. The lung governs the exterior and is responsible for all diseases caused by external evil qi in the exterior. It is used to relieve the exterior and unblock the meridians to eliminate the evil qi. It is the main acupoint for treating external symptoms.

Hegu point has the functions of opening the orifices and refreshing the mind, clearing the Yangming meridian, dispersing wind and relieving pain. It can treat many diseases, mainly the face and mouth.

Hegu and Taichong each have two acupoints, which are called Four Gates because of their ability to open up a large area. There was a person who had a severe cold and shivered without sweating. The doctor pierced the Hegu point, and as soon as the needle was inserted, the trembling stopped immediately. The patient twisted his body a little, sweated profusely, spoke normally, slept well after a while, and was able to eat the next day, but his body was weak.