SI3 Houxi

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

SI3 (Houxi, “Houxi”) is the Shu-Stream point point of the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. It is located on the ulnar side of the hand, in the depression just proximal to the head of the fifth metacarpal bone. This point is found at the apex of the skin crease when a loose fist is made. It clears heat, calms the spirit, relaxes the sinews, opens the orifices, benefits the eyes, ears, and throat, and activates the channel to alleviate pain.

Location

On the ulnar side of the hand, in the depression just proximal to the head of the fifth metacarpal bone. This point is found at the apex of the skin crease when a loose fist is made.

Needling

Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 cun toward the center of the palm (Laogong PC8), or obliquely 1.0-1.5 cun proximally along the channel. When making a fist, the point is at the end of the distal palmar crease.

TCM functions

Clears heat, calms the spirit, relaxes the sinews, opens the orifices, benefits the eyes, ears, and throat, and activates the channel to alleviate pain..

Indications

Elbow, arm, and wrist heaviness, difficulty with flexion and extension, pain in all five fingers, inability to grasp, mania, epilepsy that occurs frequently, ear ringing, eye redness, eye pain, eye tearing with fright, nosebleed, nasal congestion with difficult breathing, chills and fever, headache, stiff neck that prevents turning the head, heat disease without sweat, malarial disorders, jaundice, neck and submandibular swelling..

Shu-Stream pointWood pointConfluent point of the Du Mai

Clinical notes

As the Shu-Stream and Wood point of the Small Intestine channel, Houxi is a primary point for stiffness and pain along the entire channel, from the fingers to the neck and head. Its connection to the Du Mai makes it exceptionally effective for treating stiffness and pain of the spine, occiput, and neck. Classically, it was also a key point for calming the spirit in cases of mania and epilepsy, and for clearing heat from the head, treating conditions of the eyes, ears, and throat.

On the Small Intestine Channel channel

SI3 is one of 19 points on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is SI3 located?

SI3 (Houxi) is located on the ulnar side of the hand, in the depression just proximal to the head of the fifth metacarpal bone. This point is found at the apex of the skin crease when a loose fist is made.

What is SI3 used for?

SI3 clears heat, calms the spirit, relaxes the sinews, opens the orifices, benefits the eyes, ears, and throat, and activates the channel to alleviate pain. Common clinical indications include elbow, arm, and wrist heaviness, difficulty with flexion and extension, pain in all five fingers, inability to grasp, mania, epilepsy that occurs frequently, ear ringing, eye redness, eye pain, eye tearing with fright, nosebleed, nasal congestion with difficult breathing, chills and fever, headache, stiff neck that prevents turning the head, heat disease without sweat, malarial disorders, jaundice, neck and submandibular swelling.

How is SI3 needled?

Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 cun toward the center of the palm (Laogong PC8), or obliquely 1.0-1.5 cun proximally along the channel. When making a fist, the point is at the end of the distal palmar crease.

Which meridian is SI3 on?

SI3 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.