SI2 Front Valley

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

SI2 (Qiangu, “Front Valley”) is the Ying-Spring Point point of the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. It is located on the ulnar aspect of the hand, in the depression just distal to the head of the fifth metacarpal bone, at the junction of the red and white skin. This point is found when a loose fist is made. It clears heat, reduces swelling, benefits the eyes, ears, and throat, and activates the channel to alleviate pain.

Location

On the ulnar aspect of the hand, in the depression just distal to the head of the fifth metacarpal bone, at the junction of the red and white skin. This point is found when a loose fist is made.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

TCM functions

Clears heat, reduces swelling, benefits the eyes, ears, and throat, and activates the channel to alleviate pain..

Indications

Heat disease with no sweating, malaria, epilepsy, ear ringing, neck and cheek swelling, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough with nosebleed, arm pain preventing lifting, insufficient lactation, pain of the shoulder blade and little finger, headache, dizziness, red eyes, white film over the eye, eye pain with tearing as if the eye is coming out, red urine from taxation heat, head and neck pain making it difficult to turn the head, swollen throat preventing swallowing, arm and wrist pain..

Ying-Spring PointWater Point

Clinical notes

As the Ying-Spring point of the Small Intestine channel, Qiangu is classically indicated for clearing heat from the channel and its related sense organs. It is a key distal point for conditions like sore throat, red eyes, and ear ringing, especially when acute and heat-related. Its ability to treat malaria and epilepsy, as noted in several classics, highlights its function in clearing pathogenic factors and calming the spirit.

On the Small Intestine Channel channel

SI2 is one of 19 points on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is SI2 located?

SI2 (Qiangu) is located on the ulnar aspect of the hand, in the depression just distal to the head of the fifth metacarpal bone, at the junction of the red and white skin. This point is found when a loose fist is made.

What is SI2 used for?

SI2 clears heat, reduces swelling, benefits the eyes, ears, and throat, and activates the channel to alleviate pain. Common clinical indications include heat disease with no sweating, malaria, epilepsy, ear ringing, neck and cheek swelling, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough with nosebleed, arm pain preventing lifting, insufficient lactation, pain of the shoulder blade and little finger, headache, dizziness, red eyes, white film over the eye, eye pain with tearing as if the eye is coming out, red urine from taxation heat, head and neck pain making it difficult to turn the head, swollen throat preventing swallowing, arm and wrist pain.

How is SI2 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

Which meridian is SI2 on?

SI2 is a point on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian (Shǒu Tài Yáng Xiǎo Cháng Jīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.