SI6 Yanglao means 'Nourishing the Aged'

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

SI6 (Yǎnglǎo, “Yanglao means 'Nourishing the Aged'”) is the Xi-Cleft point point of the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. It is located on the dorsal aspect of the wrist, in a depression 1 cun proximal to the dorsal wrist crease, located in the cleft on the radial side of the head of the ulna. This point is most easily found with the palm turned towards the chest, which opens the cleft. It activates the channel, alleviates pain, benefits the shoulder and arm, and brightens the eyes.

Location

On the dorsal aspect of the wrist, in a depression 1 cun proximal to the dorsal wrist crease, located in the cleft on the radial side of the head of the ulna. This point is most easily found with the palm turned towards the chest, which opens the cleft.

Needling

With the palm facing the chest, needle obliquely and proximally towards the center of the forearm, or transversely towards LI5, 0.5 to 1.0 cun.

TCM functions

Activates the channel, alleviates pain, benefits the shoulder and arm, and brightens the eyes..

Indications

Shoulder pain as if it will break, arm pain as if it is being pulled out, inability to raise or lower the hand, shoulder and arm soreness, blurry or indistinct vision, hand and finger contracture, inability to move the hand up and down, eye feeling 'KT KT' (an archaic term for an uncomfortable eye sensation)..

Xi-Cleft point

Clinical notes

Yanglao is a crucial distal point for acute and chronic pain of the entire arm, from the shoulder to the wrist. Its name, 'Nourishing the Aged', highlights its traditional use for improving vision, particularly in cases of age-related decline. The specific method of locating the point by rotating the forearm is key to accessing the cleft where the point resides and is a classic example of a dynamic point location.

On the Small Intestine Channel channel

SI6 is one of 19 points on the Small Intestine Channel Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is SI6 located?

SI6 (Yǎnglǎo) is located on the dorsal aspect of the wrist, in a depression 1 cun proximal to the dorsal wrist crease, located in the cleft on the radial side of the head of the ulna. This point is most easily found with the palm turned towards the chest, which opens the cleft.

What is SI6 used for?

SI6 activates the channel, alleviates pain, benefits the shoulder and arm, and brightens the eyes. Common clinical indications include shoulder pain as if it will break, arm pain as if it is being pulled out, inability to raise or lower the hand, shoulder and arm soreness, blurry or indistinct vision, hand and finger contracture, inability to move the hand up and down, eye feeling 'KT KT' (an archaic term for an uncomfortable eye sensation).

How is SI6 needled?

With the palm facing the chest, needle obliquely and proximally towards the center of the forearm, or transversely towards LI5, 0.5 to 1.0 cun.

Which meridian is SI6 on?

SI6 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.