SI5 Yánggǔ

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

SI5 (Yánggǔ, “Yánggǔ”) is the Jing-River Point point of the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. It is located on the ulnar aspect of the wrist, in the depression found between the styloid process of the ulna and the triquetral bone. It clears heat, reduces swelling, calms the spirit, and alleviates pain along the channel.

Location

On the ulnar aspect of the wrist, in the depression found between the styloid process of the ulna and the triquetral bone.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

TCM functions

Clears heat, reduces swelling, calms the spirit, and alleviates pain along the channel..

Indications

Arm and wrist pain, inability to raise the arm, hand and wrist contraction, swelling of the neck and chin, toothache, inability to chew, tinnitus, deafness, dizziness from wind, fever and chills, mania, raving, laughing as if mad, seeing ghosts, epilepsy, convulsions, infantile convulsions, stiff tongue, inability to suckle in infants, vomiting the tongue, twisting of the neck, looking from side to side, wind-damp, sweating due to wind, pain in the waist and neck..

Jing-River PointFire Point

Clinical notes

As the Jing-River and Fire point of the Small Intestine channel, Yanggu is effective for clearing heat that manifests in the head and sensory organs, treating conditions like mouth ulcers, tinnitus, and red eyes. It is also a key local point for pain and dysfunction of the wrist. Its function of calming the spirit is notable, addressing mania, epilepsy, and fright, which aligns with the Heart-Small Intestine interior-exterior relationship.

On the Small Intestine Channel channel

SI5 is one of 19 points on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is SI5 located?

SI5 (Yánggǔ) is located on the ulnar aspect of the wrist, in the depression found between the styloid process of the ulna and the triquetral bone.

What is SI5 used for?

SI5 clears heat, reduces swelling, calms the spirit, and alleviates pain along the channel. Common clinical indications include arm and wrist pain, inability to raise the arm, hand and wrist contraction, swelling of the neck and chin, toothache, inability to chew, tinnitus, deafness, dizziness from wind, fever and chills, mania, raving, laughing as if mad, seeing ghosts, epilepsy, convulsions, infantile convulsions, stiff tongue, inability to suckle in infants, vomiting the tongue, twisting of the neck, looking from side to side, wind-damp, sweating due to wind, pain in the waist and neck.

How is SI5 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.3-0.5 cun.

Which meridian is SI5 on?

SI5 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.