As the colder weather fades, you may notice that some of your older friends or relatives are still bundling up in thick pants. You might also recall hearing more frequent complaints about aching knees and stiff legs during winter. In China, this common issue is called “Old Cold Legs,” a term that may not sound flattering but describes a very real problem. Fortunately, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a time-tested, non-invasive solution—stimulating the Outer Hill (Wai Qiu, GB36) acupoint.
Ancient Healing Principles
Wai Qiu was first documented in “The A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion,” a seminal classical text on acupuncture and moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort). It is classified as a Xi-cleft acupoint, meaning it is a location where blood and vital energy (qi) accumulate. In TCM, Xi-cleft points are particularly effective in promoting circulation and alleviating pain.
Wai Qiu is especially valued for its ability to ease leg pain and discomfort, making it a trusted point for older people who experience cold sensitivity, numbness, or weakness in the lower limbs. Cold exposure can slow circulation, leading to dull aches or stiffness. Stimulating Wai Qiu is believed to help regulate temperature sensation and improve blood flow, keeping the legs strong and pain-free.
Scientific Insights: How Modern Research Supports Wai Qiu’s Benefits
While ancient Chinese medicine has long recognized Wai Qiu’s therapeutic potential, modern research is beginning to uncover why Xi-cleft points like Wai Qiu are so effective in pain relief.
A clinical study examined the effectiveness of acupuncture at Xi-cleft points combined with an herbal injection for treating lumbar disc prolapse with blood stasis symptoms. In TCM, this condition involves a herniated disc in the lower back that compresses nerves and is associated with impaired blood circulation.
Sixty patients were divided into two groups. One group received acupuncture at specific points, including Wai Qiu, along with a Puerarin injection (a bioactive isoflavone extracted from the dried root of the Pueraria lobata plant). The other group received standard acupuncture with the injection at points where patients reported extra tenderness or soreness, a common method to identify acupuncture points for individual patients.
The results indicated that the treatment group experienced significantly greater pain relief, improved mobility, and a faster recovery. Blood tests showed that the therapy reduced inflammation (IL-6 levels) and enhanced blood circulation. This suggests that acupuncture combined with herbal medicine may help alleviate nerve root inflammation and promote healing.
How to Locate and Stimulate Wai Qui
Locating Wai Qiu is easy with a simple hand technique. Start at the bony bump on the outside of your ankle. Wrap both hands around your lower leg, stacking four fingers (excluding the thumb) one above the other. Then, add one thumb width upward. Press against the bone on the front part of your leg and feel around for a tender spot—that’s Wai Qiu.
You can activate Wai Qiu in the following ways:
- Acupressure: Press firmly for five to six seconds, relax for three seconds, and repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Massage: Use your thumb or index finger to massage in circular motions for one to three minutes per leg.
- Herbal Patch: Apply a medicinal patch overnight for a convenient way to support circulation.
- Advanced Techniques: For more profound effects, acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort), performed by a trained TCM practitioner, can further enhance its benefits.
When to Avoid Stimulating Wai Qiu
While Wai Qiu can be highly beneficial, it should not be stimulated in some instances. Avoid pressing or massaging this point if you have an injury in the area. If using herbal patches, check the ingredients carefully to avoid products containing harsh artificial compounds.
Embracing a Holistic Approach
TCM’s terminology and methods may feel unfamiliar to some, but its effectiveness speaks for itself. Wai Qiu is a prime example of how acupressure can harmonize the body’s natural healing processes. Whether you try it on yourself or help an older friend or family member experience its benefits, this acupoint offers an easy and natural way to relieve leg discomfort and improve circulation. Give it a try and discover another layer of holistic wellness.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung helped ensure the accuracy and clarity of this article.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 24 Mar 2025
