In the United States, one in four people over 55 experience knee pain—and younger age groups aren’t far behind. Knee pain can be a problem for athletes, older adults, and anyone with a physically demanding lifestyle.
Whether you’re a gym enthusiast, a laborer, or simply looking to maintain mobility, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers a time-tested solution—the Xi Guan acupoint. This powerful point has been used for more than 1,700 years and helps relieve and prevent knee pain.
Benefits and Functions of Xi Guan
Xi Guan is the go-to acupoint for all things knee-related. It plays a vital role in:
- Maintaining Mobility: keeping the knees flexible and strong
- Pain Relief: easing discomfort caused by injury, strain, or age
Unlike many treatments that address knee pain only after it arises, Xi Guan can be used preventatively. Stimulating this point regularly may help maintain long-term joint health, making it a crucial practice for athletes, those with physically demanding jobs, and those living in cold climates where lower temperatures can exacerbate joint pain.
Science Meets Tradition
TCM has relied on Xi Guan for knee pain relief since the Western Jin Dynasty, with its first recorded mention in “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion).” According to TCM theory, tendons are governed by the liver, while the kidneys govern bones. Stimulating Xi Guan is believed to promote better mobility and pain relief.
Modern scientific research, however, remains divided on the efficacy of acupuncture for chronic knee pain. Some studies support its benefits, while others question its effectiveness. Given this debate, the best approach is to try it for yourself and observe the results firsthand.
How to Find and Stimulate Xi Guan
The name “Xi Guan” offers a clue to its location, as “Xi” means knee. Finding Xi Guan involves three simple steps. First, slide your thumb up the shinbone inside your lower leg. As you approach the knee, you’ll feel an indentation—another acupoint, Yin Ling Quan, which we’ll discuss in the summer. Next, pay attention to any soreness or tenderness, as this indicates the presence of an acupoint. Finally, move one finger-width inward toward the inner part of your leg and feel around. If you find a sore spot under your thumb, congratulations—you’ve located Xi Guan!
Originally published in Epoch Times on 8 Feb 2025
