Author
Bowtie Team
Updated on
2025-08-07
Disclaimer: This article is translated with the assistance of AI.
Discover if pressing the Hegu acupoint can truly banish pain – expert insights from Chinese medicine for everyday relief!
What is the Hegu Acupoint?
The Hegu point, part of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian in the twelve meridians, is located on the back of the hand between the first and second metacarpal bones, at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal. That’s the highest point of the bulge when you bring your thumb and index finger together. For a simple way to find it, press one hand’s thumb on the other hand’s tiger’s mouth area and look for the most sore spot.
Can Pressing Hegu Point Relieve Pain? Headaches, Toothaches, More?
The Hegu point helps dispel wind pathogens, open orifices, clear lung qi, harmonize the stomach, unblock intestines, regulate menstruation, and induce labor. It’s like a versatile spot on the upper limb. Clinically, it’s often paired with other points for pain relief. Since pressing it creates a distinct aching, numb, or swelling sensation, it can indeed ease facial pain or abdominal discomfort right away. Here’s a rundown of the Hegu point’s key features:
1. Hegu for Facial and Oral Issues (For Headaches, Toothaches)
The “Bronze Man Acupuncture Chart” notes: “Hegu treats blurred vision, headaches, tooth and gum pain, throat blockage, paralysis, facial swelling, inability to close lips, muteness, and locked jaw.” Since the Large Intestine Meridian runs from the hand to the head, conditions like toothaches, headaches, dry mouth, nosebleeds, neck pain, sore throat, and other issues with the five senses can benefit from massaging or needling Hegu. Clinically, it’s commonly combined with Taiyang and Shuigou points for headaches, Dicang and Jiache for toothaches or facial paralysis, and Shaoshang with bloodletting for throat swelling.
2. Original Point of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian (For Abdominal Pain)
The “Lingshu: Meridians” states: “The Large Intestine Meridian of Hand Yangming starts at the tip of the index finger, ascends along the finger, exits between the two bones at Hegu, enters between the two tendons, ascends the arm, enters the outer elbow, ascends the outer anterior arm, reaches the shoulder, emerges at the front of the acromion, ascends to the supraclavicular fossa, connects to the lung, descends through the diaphragm, and belongs to the large intestine.” As it belongs to the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian and passes through the large intestine, it effectively relieves abdominal pain.
3. Opening Orifices and Clearing Blockages
Clinically, Hegu is often paired with Taichong, known as “Opening the Four Gates.” The idea is that blockage causes pain, so this combination smooths the body’s qi flow—clear the path, and the pain fades.
4. Analgesic Effects
Modern studies on Hegu’s pain-relieving role show that needling one side can raise the pain threshold across the body to varying degrees, though more research is needed to confirm.
How to Massage Hegu Point Properly?
When applying acupressure, press toward the little finger direction for 1 minute, rest for 10 seconds, then press another minute, repeating 10 times. Stick to one side per session. For those with weaker constitutions, avoid strong stimulation. Pregnant women should generally skip massaging Hegu to prevent excessive stimulation that could disturb the fetus.
What Does Hegu Point Pain Indicate? TCM Approaches?
Pain when massaging Hegu suggests poor qi and blood circulation in the tissues and organs along its Large Intestine Meridian. Clinically, this is addressed through observation, listening, inquiry, and palpation, followed by acupuncture with points tailored to the symptoms, plus internal herbal medicine to smooth qi and blood flow and clear blockages.
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