Spring is in full swing, and after a long day spent gardening or tackling your annual spring cleaning, you might notice your hands aren’t as nimble as they used to be, and a nagging neck pain is making itself known. It’s a familiar frustration many face as we dive into seasonal chores that demand more from our bodies than expected.
Fortunately, traditional Chinese medicine offers a natural, simple solution that only takes a few moments to try. By stimulating a specific acupoint on your wrist—Wrist Bone (Wan Gu, SI4)—you can help ease stiffness and soothe discomfort. This accessible point might be the key to restoring your comfort and keeping you moving freely all season long.
What Makes Wan Gu Unique in TCM
First mentioned in the “Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot),” Wan Gu is classified as a Yuan-Source point. Yuan-Source points tap into the body’s original or inherited energy, known as Yuan Qi. This foundational resource is something we are born with and is viewed as finite and precious, supporting all aspects of growth, resilience, and internal regulation. Due to its connection to the original vital energy, Wan Gu is believed to have a profound stabilizing influence along the entire Small Intestine meridian, which runs from the hand up the arm, shoulder, and into the side of the head.
Wan Gu is commonly used in clinical practice to relieve headaches, neck stiffness, and swelling in the cervical region. It is also effective in easing finger cramps, pain in the wrist or arm, and symptoms associated with rheumatic conditions. Given its anatomical position, it is frequently selected in treatment protocols targeting localized wrist issues and more systemic discomfort affecting the upper body.
What the Research Says
Modern studies are uncovering how acupoints like Wan Gu affect the body in ways that extend well beyond their physical location.
One study looked at the electrical resistance of twelve Yuan-Source points—including Wan Gu—in patients with encephaloma, a type of brain tumor or neoplasm originating in the brain tissue, before and after surgery. The researchers found significant differences in cutaneous electrical resistance compared to healthy individuals, suggesting disruptions in meridian balance. Notably, Wan Gu showed measurable imbalances, especially before surgery, which points to a dynamic connection between internal organ stress and acupoint sensitivity. These changes also shifted post-operatively, confirming the body’s energetic response to medical intervention.
A clinical trial focused on patients with chronic neck pain from cervical spondylosis, a painful condition that occurs due to the wear and tear of spinal discs and joints over time and progresses with the aging process. Using a heart-kidney theory framework in TCM, which included specific point selection and combined techniques such as needling, moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort), and intradermal therapy, the researchers observed consistent pain relief.
While the heart-kidney protocol and conventional treatment were helpful, the specialized approach showed notably better outcomes in patients over 45 or those with long-standing disease. These findings reinforce the value of targeted point work, especially for chronic, inflammation-related neck and spine conditions.
Locate and Stimulate Wan Gu
To locate Wan Gu, place your hand palm down. On the outer edge of the hand, feel for the small depression between the base of the bone that connects the pinky finger to the wrist and the hamate bone of the wrist. If you found the spot that feels sore or tender under gentle pressure, you’ve found Wan Gu.
Stimulating the Point: Techniques for Daily Relief
- Pressure: Apply firm pressure for three to five seconds, pause for three seconds, and repeat for one to three minutes on each hand.
- Massage: Using your thumb or index finger, massage in small circular motions.
- Herbal Patch: Apply an herbal patch overnight to maintain gentle stimulation.
For those seeking deeper results, a trained TCM professional may use acupuncture or moxibustion, depending on your specific needs and constitution.
Precautions
Avoid using this point if you have injuries, swelling, or inflammation near the wrist. Those with sensitive skin should check herbal patch ingredients before use and discontinue if irritation occurs.
Self-Care That Protects Long-Term Health
If you’re managing inflammatory conditions such as rheumatism or simply want to maintain mobility in your neck, shoulders, and hands, Wan Gu is a helpful addition to your self-care routine. With just a few minutes of attention each day, you can support your body’s natural energy systems while relieving common pain and stiffness. A small action, done consistently, can make a big difference in how you move through life.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 17 May 2025
