Our hips play a crucial role in how we move, maintain balance, and build strength. However, they can often suffer due to aging, injuries, or a lack of physical activity. One acupoint that’s particularly beneficial for hip health is Jumping Round (Huan Tiao, GB30).
In traditional Chinese medicine, this point is recognized for its strong link to enhancing mobility and relieving pain, making it a powerful ally for keeping our hips healthy.
The Traditional Role of Huan Tiao
Huan Tiao has been recognized since the “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (The A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion),” the oldest text on acupuncture and moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) in traditional Chinese medicine. This acupuncture point is located at the intersection of two energy pathways in the body: the gallbladder and urinary bladder meridians, making it very effective for addressing issues related to the lower body.
Historically, Huan Tiao has been used to address a wide range of issues, including:
- Hip and lower back pain
- Paralysis and weakness in the lower limbs
- Urticaria (hives)
- Athlete’s foot
- Edema and fluid retention
Due to its connection to two meridians that govern the flow of energy in the lower body, this acupoint is also widely used as a diagnostic tool for detecting bone and joint issues. In TCM, intense pain that doesn’t reduce after several treatment sessions can indicate serious bone issues, including, in some cases, the onset of bone cancer.
Scientific Research on Huan Tiao
Modern medicine is beginning to understand why Huan Tiao is so effective. Onestudy focused on electroacupuncture and its role in pain relief. The research found that stimulating Huan Tiao and Yanglingquan (GB34) significantly reduced inflammatory pain.
When electroacupuncture was combined with a low dose of celecoxib, a pain-relief medication, the reduction in pain was even more significant. This combination primarily worked by lowering prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), a key inflammatory molecule, suggesting that electroacupuncture with medication could effectively manage chronic pain.
Another study investigated acupuncture’s potential for nerve regeneration. Researchers used mice with damage in the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down each leg, and applied acupuncture at Huan Tiao and Yanglingquan (GB34) for two weeks.
The treated mice exhibited improved movement, stronger nerve signals, and increased nerve fiber growth compared to untreated mice. Additionally, acupuncture stimulated the production of proteins associated with nerve healing, particularly p75NTR, which supports nerve repair. This indicates that acupuncture may aid in the regeneration of nerves after peripheral nerve injuries.
How to Locate and Stimulate Huan Tiao
To locate Huan Tiao, the classic manuals would instruct you to:
- Lie on your side and pull up your knee until your thighs are at a 90-degree angle with your torso.
- Find the highest point of your hip bone.
- Imagine a line connecting this point to the end of your spine.
- Huan Tiao is one-third of the way along this line, closer to the front of your body in a small indentation.
A more intuitive method is to lie on your side with your thighs at a 90-degree angle. Fold your hand into a thumbs-up position and place the knuckles of your hand on the highest part of your thigh. Your thumb should land on the Huan Tiao point, which is located about 45 degrees from the midline of your thigh.
To stimulate the point is straightforward:
- Acupressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, relax for three seconds, and repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Massage: Use your thumb or index finger to make circular motions for one to three minutes.
- Herbal patches: Apply overnight for long-lasting benefits.
- Advanced techniques: Acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion with a trained TCM professional.
Important Precautions
Avoid stimulating this acupoint if you have an injury or inflammation in the area. If you have a history of hip replacement or previous fractures, be mindful of pressure sensitivity. This acupoint may cause a stronger sensation in this case. When using herbal patches, choose natural ingredients to prevent skin irritation, especially if you have sensitive skin.
A Final Thought on Self-Care
Huan Tiao is one of modern acupuncture’s most commonly used acupoints for hip health and mobility. While many may hesitate to try acupuncture on this point due to the needles used, acupressure offers a gentle and effective alternative. Try stimulating this point consistently and observe how your body responds. Since Huan Tiao connects two major meridians, its activation provides wide-reaching mobility benefits.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung helped ensure the accuracy and clarity of this article.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 20 Mar 2025
