SI-3 – Houxi, meaning “Back Stream” or “Posterior Stream”
Location: On the ulnar border of the hand, just proximal to the head of the 5th metacarpal bone.
TCM Purpose:
- Neck pain, low back pain, pain along the spine
- Calms the spirit and promotes relaxation
- Used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and stress
- Said to “calm the heart and quiet the spirit”
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Small Intestine 3 point may be a key point for relieving pain in the neck, low back, and along the spine, hence the name “back stream”. It is said to calm the spirit and promote relaxation, making it an effective point for treating insomnia, anxiety, and stress. The point is also used to relieve pain and tension in the arm, shoulder, and neck.
Small Intestine 3 (Si-3) Point Location
Applying pressure to this point is said to have a calming effect on the body and mind, and is often used in conjunction with other points to enhance its effects.
2023. Houxi (SI 3) communicating the governor vessel” verified with the infrared thermal imaging technology. Retrieved May 12th, 2024 from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36858393/.
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