Yang Crossing (Yang Jiao, GB35) may not be the acupoint that every acupuncturist frequently uses in their practice, and it often gets overshadowed by more popular points. However, that doesn’t mean we should overlook it!
Despite its less common usage, this acupoint offers significant mental and physical health benefits. The key is that the conditions Yang Jiao is known for treating tend to arise suddenly and unpredictably and can also dissipate just as quickly. Let’s explore how Yang Jiao can serve as a powerful yet underappreciated resource for managing minor emergencies.
Historical Roots and Traditional Use
Yang Jiao was first documented in “The A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion (Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing),” the oldest surviving text on acupuncture and moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort) dating back to the third century C.E. This acupoint is an intersection of the gallbladder meridian and the Yang Wei Mai, a vessel responsible for regulating yang energy throughout the body.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approaches health holistically, recognizing that physical symptoms and emotional imbalances are interconnected. Yang Jiao can help relieve painful conditions caused by inflammation, such as sciatica, which may induce pain along the back of the legs; pleurisy, which results in acute chest pain; and hepatitis—inflammation of the liver.
However, its unique strength lies in its ability to calm palpitations, regardless of their origins—from excess caffeine intake, anxiety, or nervousness. While other nearby points may be more effective for treating physical discomfort, Yang Jiao stands out for its capability to steady the heart, or as TCM describes it, to calm the mind during moments of unease.
Modern Research and Emerging Interest
Yang Jiao hasn’t been widely studied in modern clinical research, but it is beginning to gain attention for its potential in mental health treatment.One study investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture in treating post-COVID-19 depression and anxiety. A total of 236 patients were divided into two groups: one receiving conventional acupuncture and the other receiving additional scalp acupuncture. Both groups showed significant improvements in depression and anxiety scores, but the group with added scalp acupuncture had a higher overall efficacy rate—98.3 percent versus 72.1 percent.
Yang Jiao was included in both treatment protocols, suggesting its role in alleviating emotional distress. While the added scalp acupuncture enhanced the results, the inclusion of Yang Jiao suggests its role in regulating emotional well-being.
How to Locate and Stimulate Yang Jiao
To locate Yang Jiao, follow these simple steps:
- Identify the bony bump on the outside of your knee and the bony bump on your ankle.
- Find the midpoint of this distance along the outer leg.
- From the midpoint, move one thumb width downward along the midline of your lower leg.
- Press gently—if you find a sore spot, you’ve located Yang Jiao.
To stimulate Yang Jiao, try these techniques:
- Pressure Massage: Firmly press for three to five seconds, relax for three seconds, and repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Circular Massage: Use your index finger or thumb to massage in small circles for one to three minutes.
- Herbal Patches: Apply an herbal patch overnight for convenience and prolonged stimulation.
- Advanced Techniques: For deeper activation, seek acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion from a trained TCM professional.
Precautions to Keep in Mind
Avoid stimulating Yang Jiao if you have injuries in the surrounding area. If using herbal patches, choose natural ingredients and avoid artificial additives, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Closing Thoughts on Self-Care
Many people often associate traditional Chinese medicine with treating chronic conditions or preventing issues that arise from years of poor lifestyle choices or chronic stress. However, Yang Jiao illustrates that TCM has a much broader application and can also be effective in cases where symptoms appear suddenly.
Yang Jiao is featured in the “Essential Formulas Worth a Thousand in Gold for Emergencies,” an important classical text in TCM that discusses approaches for urgent situations. Consider learning about this acupoint and adding it to your holistic care toolkit to use it for a calming reset in situations of stress, anxiety, or after having too many cups of coffee.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung helped ensure the accuracy and clarity of this article.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 23 Mar 2025
