SI3 Hou Xi / Back Stream

The 3rd point of the Hand Tai Yang meridian



Nature:
Shu- Stream; Wood; Mother; Confluent with Du


Location:
on the ulnar side of the hand, proximal of the metacarpophalangeal joint, at the junction between palm and dorsum of hand







Functions:
1. clear heat and release the exterior

• for heat due to external pathogen (fever, febrile diseases, malaria) and internal heat
• combine with DU14

2. regulate the Du meridian, restore consciousness

• SI3 (Confluent with Du) is part of confluent pair with BL62 (Confluent with Yang Qiao) - used together to balance Yin/Yang in body
• combine with BL62 for illness of inner canthus, neck, ear, shoulder, back

      
3. activate collaterals and stop pain

• headaches!  especially those in the occiput/neck region; treats Du meridian on the neck therefore good for acute neck problems (stiffness, pain, spasm/torticollis); weaker but works on the lower back as well; also arm pain and finger numbness
•  combine with LU7 & BL10 for headache

4. consolidate body surface & stop sweating

• for night sweats (Yin Xu+Yang XS); hot flashes; 5 palm heat
• combine with HR6

5. clear heat from head and eyes

• red eyes, sore throat, swelling of the cheek due to Wind-Heat