As the seasons shift, you might notice that while the world is warming up, your hands and feet still feel like they’re stuck in winter. No matter how thick your socks or gloves are, the chill remains. In addition to layering up, consider a holistic approach—stimulating the Outer Pass (Wai Guan, TE5) acupoint. This point not only improves circulation but also enhances mobility and offers surprising benefits for both physical and mental well-being.
A Special Acupoint in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Wai Guan (TE5) has been recognized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for centuries and holds a unique place in acupuncture theory. A common saying, “Wai Guan clears the five fingers,” highlights its role in improving finger dexterity, reducing stiffness, and alleviating pain in the hands. If your hands feel numb or achy, this is a go-to point.
Wai Guan is also a Luo-Connecting Point—linking the Triple Energizer meridian to the pericardium, which means it plays a role in regulating heart-related functions. In TCM, the heart is not just about circulation—it’s also tied to emotions, so stimulating this point may help reduce irritability and impatience.
Wai Guan is also important as an intersection point where the Triple Energizer meridian meets the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel), which regulates yang energy throughout the body. This connection enables Wai Guan to treat illnesses caused by external factors like heat or cold.
It’s particularly beneficial for shoulder, arm, and hand pain triggered by exposure to cold air or drafts. Because of its connections to multiple energy pathways in the body, Wai Guan is widely used in clinical practice to address a broad range of conditions.
Modern Science Validates Wai Guan’s Effect on the Brain
With modern neuroimaging tools, researchers are uncovering how Wai Guan affects the brain, proving its influence extends beyond circulation and mobility.
One study reanalyzed previous research on Wai Guan acupuncture to determine its impact on brain activity. Researchers worked with 24 healthy participants, dividing them into groups receiving real or sham acupuncture at Wai Guan and a non-acupuncture point. The results were striking—only true Wai Guan acupuncture activated the cerebellum, a part of the brain linked to movement and coordination. This suggests that stimulation of this point may support the body’s natural healing processes.
Anotherstudy focused on patients recovering from ischemic stroke. Sixteen participants were divided into two groups: one received real acupuncture at Wai Guan, while the other received a sham treatment. Functional magnetic resonance imaging scans revealed that true Wai Guan acupuncture activated several areas of the brain, particularly those responsible for sensory processing.
Notably, it influenced Brodmann area 5, which plays a role in how the brain interprets touch and movement. These findings suggest that Wai Guan acupuncture could help stroke patients regain sensory and motor function, offering a potential neurological mechanism for its effectiveness.
How to Locating and Stimulate Wai Guan
Finding Wai Guan is straightforward. Begin by examining the back of your wrist at the crease where it bends. From there, measure about the width of two fingers up from the wrist crease. The point is situated between the two forearm bones, the radius and ulna. To locate Wai Guan, press around the area until you feel a slight dip.
Wai Guan can be activated in four ways:
- Apply firm pressure for three to five seconds, release for three seconds, and repeat for one to three minutes on each arm.
- Massage in small circular motions using your thumb or index finger for one to three minutes per side.
- Use an herbal patch overnight for continuous stimulation and added relief.
- For deeper activation, seek professional techniques such as acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion.
Precautions to Keep in Mind
Avoid stimulating this point if you have an injury in the area. If using herbal patches, choose natural formulations without harsh chemicals.
A Practical Acupoint for Year-Round Wellness
When the cold returns, remember Wai Guan as an effective way to promote circulation and keep your hands and feet warm. Even in warmer months, this acupoint remains valuable for balancing yang energy, supporting mobility, and enhancing overall well-being. Given its extensive range of benefits, Wai Guan is a practical, holistic addition to any self-care routine.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 6 Apr 2025
