Wan Gu (Shouwangu): TCM Acupoint Guide

Name

Wan Gu (Shouwangu)

Location

On the ulnar border of the palm, in the depression between the base of the fifth metacarpal bone and the triquetral bone. Note: when the hand is clenched in a fist, this point can be found on the dorsal side of the hand at the ulnar aspect, in the hollow between the fifth metacarpus and the hamate and pisiform bones. This is distinct from SI-4 Wangu at the head.

Needling

• Straight insertion, 0.5 to 1 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness, possibly extending to the palm.
• Perpendicular insertion, 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
• Moxibustion is applicable.

Command Functions

• Yuan-source point

Actions

• Activates the channel
• Alleviates pain
• Clears Heat
• Reduces swelling
• Clears Damp-Heat
• Treats jaundice

Indications

• Contractions of the five fingers with difficulty in flexion and extension
• Weakness and pain of the wrist
• Contraction of the arm and elbow with difficulty in flexion and extension
• Stiffness and swelling of the neck
• Headache
• Pain of the shoulder
• Coldness and pain of the shoulder and back
• Pain of the lateral costal region with inability to catch the breath
• Lumbar pain radiating to the leg
• Hemiplegia
• Chronic spasms
• Pediatric convulsions
• Fever
• Mumps
• Upper extremity arthritis
• Hypochondriac pain
• Gastritis
• Excessive perspiration
• Vomiting
• Pleurisy
• Dullness of the sense of touch
• Pain and Heat in the wrist, forearm and arm
• Cannot bend the elbow
• Fever and chills without sweating
• Convulsions
• Madness and fear
• Coldness and pain of the shoulder and upper back
• Throat Bi
• Stiff, painful fingers
• Weak wrists
• Pain and swelling of the cheek radiating to the ear
• Swelling of the neck, submandibular region and jaw
• Throat Bi
• Tinnitus
• Superficial visual obstruction
• Lachrymation
• Loss of sense of taste
• Jaundice
• Spleen Deficiency jaundice
• Febrile disease with absence of sweat
• Chills and fever
• Malaria
• Wasting and thirsting disorder
• Agitation and fullness
• Rigidity of the neck
• Cholecystitis
• Arthritis of the wrist, elbow and fingers
• Diabetes
• Emaciation and thirst
• Rib pain
• Infantile meningeal syndrome
• Nebula
• Cloudiness of the cornea
• Yin, Cold, symptoms of the eyes with constant lachrymation and a veil before the eyes
• Hyperlachrymation
• Hand tremor
• Swelling of the neck and chin
• Headache with a stiff neck
• Neck rigidity

Combinations

Notes

Mainly used in the treatment of contraction, stiffness and pain along the entire length of the channel. One of the main points to treat diseases of the five fingers. A major point for Gall Bladder problems, with a special effect on Yang jaundice.