ACUPUNCTURE
Xiao Hai: TCM Acupoint Guide
Name
Xiao Hai (Xiaohai)
Location
In the depression between the tip of the olecranon process of the ulna and the tip of the medial epicondyle of the humerus. With the elbow flexed, this point is located halfway between the two.
Needling
- Oblique distal or proximal insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.
- Perpendicular insertion 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
- Caution: the ulnar nerve lies deep to this point.
- Puncture perpendicularly 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
- Straight insertion 0.5 to 0.8 cun.
Command Functions
- He-Sea point
- Earth point
- Sedation point
Actions
- Clears Heat
- Dissipates swelling
- Calms the Shen
- Activates the channel
- Alleviates pain
- Relieves Damp-Heat
- Removes obstruction from the channel
Indications
- Scrofula
- Swelling and pain of the throat
- Swelling and pain of the axilla and elbow
- Pain in the axilla and lower abdomen
- Pain below the navel
- Swelling of the cheek
- Swelling of the chin to the cheek
- Swelling of the gums
- Pain in the gums and teeth
- Toothache
- Tooth decay
- Wind dizziness
- Wind dizziness with headache
- Eye dizziness
- Headache
- Deafness
- Yellow eyes
- Malaria
- Lumbar pain radiating to the hypogastrium
- Neuralgia of the lumbar region
- Seizures
- Convulsions
- Pain and stiffness of the elbow and arm
- Tinnitus
- Acute swelling of the glands of the neck
- Bi syndrome of the elbow and neck
- Pulmonary edema
- Trembling
- Neuralgia or paralysis of the ulnar nerve
- Pain in the nape and lateroposterior aspect of the shoulder and arm
- Pain in the shoulder, scapula, elbow and lateroposterior aspect of the arm
- Neuralgia of the shoulder
- Arthritis of the elbow joint
- Epicondylitis
- Insensitivity of the arm
- Blepharitis
- Epilepsy
- Sheep epilepsy
- Tongue thrusting
- Clonic spasm
- Agitation of the Heart
- Pain in the neck
- Pain in the neck radiating to the elbow
- Pain of the scapula
- Pain of the posterolateral aspect of the shoulder
- Pain of the upper arm and elbow
- Pain in the chin, neck, shoulder, arm and elbow
- Inability to raise the four limbs
- Lower abdominal pain
- Vertigo
- Neck and shoulder stiffness, inflammation and pain
- Pain in the nape and submandibular region
- Parotitis
- Shivering
- Gingivitis
- Psychosis
- Chorea (St. Vitus Dance)
- Fever with chills
- Spasms and paralysis of the upper arm and neck
- Swelling of the neck
- Painful tumor of the neck with shivering
- Rheumatism
- Fever with a sensation of Cold
- Yellow sclera
Combinations
| Points | Indications |
|---|---|
| LU-5 Chize, PC-5 Jianshi, PC-7 Daling, SI-3 Houxi, LU-10 Yuji | Contraction of the elbow |
| SJ-20 Jiaosun | Pain of the gums |
| SI-3 Houxi, UB-2 Zanzhu, DU-18 Qiangjian | Epileptic convulsions, mad walking, inability to sleep and agitation of the Heart |
Notes
This point is used relatively infrequently. This is a first aid point for hemorrhage. This point can be used when the whole body (physical, mental and spiritual) is dulled. For disorders of the Small Intestine, use ST-39 Xiajuxu, the Lower He-Sea point of the Small Intestine. In "sheep epilepsy" the patients bleat like a sheep and seek out water to attempt to drown themselves.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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