Acupoints in Our Body

There are many acupoints in our body, and each acupoint has a unique name and represents a different area. Proper massage of these acupoints can promote health and well-being in the corresponding regions. The Hegu acupoint, commonly known as the Tiger's Mouth, belongs to the Large Intestine meridian and represents the lumbar spine, face, and digestive system. If there is pain when pressing the Hegu acupoint, it may indicate blockage in the corresponding region.

Pain When Pressing the Hegu Acupoint

The Hegu acupoint belongs to the Hand Yangming Large Intestine meridian. Pain when pressing the Hegu acupoint may be due to a blockage in the Large Intestine meridian. The Hegu acupoint represents multiple regions, including the head and face, cervical spine, waist, and digestive system. Dysfunction in any of these areas may lead to pain.

Main Functions of the Hegu Acupoint

The Hegu acupoint has various functions. It can lower blood pressure, calm the nerves, regulate bodily functions, improve joint mobility, dispel wind-dampness, and promote the flow of qi and blood to clear stagnation. Additionally, it is effective in treating various symptoms related to the head and face, including issues with teeth, eyes, and throat, as well as asthma and skin infections. It can also help with headaches, tinnitus, hearing loss, rhinitis, sinusitis, tonsillitis, blurred vision, respiratory difficulties, scapular neuralgia, blocked mucus, asphyxia, collapse, insomnia, and neurasthenia.

Functions of the Hegu Acupoint

1. Prevention of Stroke and Hypertension: Stroke is closely related to the liver. From the perspective of the five elements, the lung and large intestine belong to metal, which restricts wood, and the liver belongs to wood. When the functions of the lung and large intestine are imbalanced, the liver may lose its restraint, leading to liver-related conditions such as stroke, convulsions, distorted facial features, dizziness, and vertigo. In such cases, pinching the Hegu acupoint with the thumb for 2-3 minutes can help alleviate the symptoms.

2. Fever Relief and Lung Strengthening: Moxibustion at the Hegu acupoint can promote the circulation of qi and blood, enhance yang energy, strengthen the body's immunity, and expel pathogens. The lung and large intestine are internally-externally related, and the lung governs qi and protects the exterior, including the skin and hair. Moxibustion or pressing the Hegu acupoint can open up pores, clear heat, and promote sweating, making it effective in preventing and treating colds.

3. Pain Relief: The Hegu acupoint has strong qi and excellent analgesic effects. It can be considered a "painkiller" for our body, and almost all types of pain can be relieved through moxibustion or pressing the acupoint with the thumb.

4. Headaches: Neuralgic headaches, insomnia-related headaches, and pain in the back of the neck are common conditions, especially among the elderly. These conditions can lead to frequent attacks, accompanied by symptoms such as insomnia, forgetfulness, decreased memory, and difficulty concentrating. Massage therapy targeting the Hegu acupoint can provide effective relief.

5. Toothache: As the saying goes, toothache is not a serious illness, but it can be unbearable. Pressing the Hegu acupoint with the thumb can help relieve this painful condition. When treating toothache, it is recommended to use a cross-treatment approach. For example, if you have toothache on the right side, you should apply moxibustion or pressure to the Hegu acupoint on the left hand; conversely, if the pain is on the left side, you should treat the Hegu acupoint on the right hand.