SI4 Wàngǔ

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

SI4 (Wàngǔ, “Wàngǔ”) is the Yuan-Source Point point of the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. It is located on the ulnar side of the hand, in the depression between the base of the 5th metacarpal bone and the triquetral bone. This point is found by palpating along the ulnar border of the hand from the 5th metacarpal head towards the wrist, falling into the distinct hollow just proximal to the metacarpal base. It clears heat, reduces swelling, calms the spirit, relaxes the sinews and alleviates pain.

Location

On the ulnar side of the hand, in the depression between the base of the 5th metacarpal bone and the triquetral bone. This point is found by palpating along the ulnar border of the hand from the 5th metacarpal head towards the wrist, falling into the distinct hollow just proximal to the metacarpal base.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

TCM functions

Clears heat, reduces swelling, calms the spirit, relaxes the sinews and alleviates pain..

Indications

Headache, neck and submandibular swelling, tinnitus, eye film with cold tearing, jaundice, heat disease with absence of sweating, thirst, malaria, mania and raving, fright and agitation, epilepsy, infantile convulsion with spasms, finger contracture, inability to flex or extend the fingers, hemiplegia, pain in the ribs and inability to breathe, arm and elbow pain, wrist pain..

Yuan-Source Point

Clinical notes

As the Yuan-Source point of the Small Intestine channel, Wangu is a key point for addressing channel-related disorders and Fu-organ pathology. It is classically indicated for clearing heat and resolving damp-heat, as seen in its use for jaundice, and for calming the spirit in cases of mania, fright, and epilepsy. Its location makes it an essential local point for wrist pain and dysfunction, particularly for finger contractures and pain along the ulnar side of the arm.

On the Small Intestine Channel channel

SI4 is one of 19 points on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is SI4 located?

SI4 (Wàngǔ) is located on the ulnar side of the hand, in the depression between the base of the 5th metacarpal bone and the triquetral bone. This point is found by palpating along the ulnar border of the hand from the 5th metacarpal head towards the wrist, falling into the distinct hollow just proximal to the metacarpal base.

What is SI4 used for?

SI4 clears heat, reduces swelling, calms the spirit, relaxes the sinews and alleviates pain. Common clinical indications include headache, neck and submandibular swelling, tinnitus, eye film with cold tearing, jaundice, heat disease with absence of sweating, thirst, malaria, mania and raving, fright and agitation, epilepsy, infantile convulsion with spasms, finger contracture, inability to flex or extend the fingers, hemiplegia, pain in the ribs and inability to breathe, arm and elbow pain, wrist pain.

How is SI4 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

Which meridian is SI4 on?

SI4 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.