“I wish I had less energy,” said no one ever. Whether juggling a busy work schedule, caring for family, or trying to find time for the activities that bring you joy, low energy can bring everything to a halt.
Ironically, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) suggests that we sometimes need to slow down to regain our energy. One effective way to do this is by stimulating a widely used acupoint on the wrist, Yang Valley (Yang Gu, SI5). Activating this point can help your body’s yang energy flow more freely and provide a much-needed boost to your vitality.
Why Yang Energy Matters in TCM Theory
Yang Gu was first described in the “Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot),” one of the foundational texts in the classical canon of acupuncture. It is categorized as a Jing-River point, which holds particular significance in the flow of qi (vital energy). Jing-River points are where energy in the meridian becomes stronger, faster, and more focused, like a surge in a current. These points are known for their dynamic action and ability to address issues related to energy movement and flow.
Yang Gu is a hub for directing yang energy throughout the body. In TCM, yang qi represents heat, movement, drive, and clarity—it powers stamina, a proactive mindset, and physical vitality. A deficiency in yang qi can show up as fatigue, low mood, cold limbs, or even foggy thinking. Yang Gu is a go-to point for addressing symptoms like headaches, dizziness, red or swollen eyes, toothaches, and mouth ulcers—all of which can be signs that yang energy circulation is disrupted.
Modern Research: Energy and Immunity Under the Microscope
While Yang Gu hasn’t been studied extensively in isolation in modern studies, research is revealing its effects on energy and immunity as a significant part of acupuncture protocols. One preliminary study focused on saam acupuncture, a technique that employs specific combinations of acupoints, and its effects on immune function and fatigue in cancer patients.
In this study, 10 patients received four acupuncture sessions over two weeks, targeting five acupoints, including Yang Gu. The results were promising: the counts of T-cells (CD3+ and CD8+), which play a key role in regulating the immune response, increased, while fatigue scores decreased significantly. Notably, these improvements remained stable even two weeks after the treatment. Although the study did not include a control group, it initiates a discussion about what TCM has long suggested—that stimulating certain acupoints can effectively enhance the body’s energy systems.
For patients dealing with fatigue, whether due to chronic illness, recovery, or stress, acupoints such as Yang Gu may provide a gentle, effective complement to conventional care.
How to Locate and Stimulate Yang Gu
Finding this point is straightforward. Look at the outer side of your wrist. You’ll find Yang Gu in the depression between the bony bump on the outside of your wrist and the triquetral bone of your wrist. You may feel a slight dip or hollow that feels sore or tender under gentle pressure. These sensations indicate that you’ve found the right spot.
Simple Ways to Activate Yang Gu
You don’t need a background in TCM or medicine to benefit from this acupoint.
- Pressure: Use your thumb or index finger to apply firm pressure for three to 5 seconds, pause for three seconds, and repeat this for one to three minutes on each side.
- Massage: Using moderate pressure, use circular massage, moving in small, steady circles.
- Herbal Patch: For overnight activation, use an herbal patch to gently stimulate the area while you sleep.
For deeper or more targeted relief, a licensed TCM practitioner can offer acupuncture or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) using Yang Gu as part of a personalized treatment plan.
Precautions
Do not use this point if the wrist is injured, swollen, or inflamed. If you’re using herbal patches, check for skin sensitivities or allergies—some aggressive ingredients can cause irritation. When in doubt, consult a professional before incorporating new techniques into your routine.
Fuel Your Day
Yang energy helps you wake up, take action, and stay engaged throughout the day. When you feel yourself slowing down due to depletion, it may be time to support your energy reserves. Incorporating Yang Gu into your daily routine is a low-effort, high-value strategy to maintain vitality and clarity. Whether you’re managing fatigue or want to keep your energy levels steady, this point can serve as a remedy and a preventative tool.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 18 May 2025
