Luo-connecting point; one of the eight confluence points, connecting with yang link vessel.

bubble_chart Etymology

The point is located on the extensor aspect of forearm, hence the term "Wai" (外, meaning outer). The area from wrist to this point resembles a strategic pass or barrier, giving it the name "guan" (關, meaning pass). It is paired with Neiguan (PC6) as its counterpart.

bubble_chart Location

Waiguan (TE5) acupoint
(adapted from "Meridians and Acupoints")

On the extensor aspect of forearm, 2 cun proximal to dorsal wrist crease, between ulna and radius, on the line connecting Yangchi (SJ 4) and the tip elbow. When elbow is flexed and palm is facing downward, it is located in the depression on radial side of extensor digitorum muscle.

• Lingshu-Jingmai: "2 cun from wrist";
• Zhenjiu Dacheng: "2 cun proximal to wrist, between two bones, opposite Neiguan (PC6)".

bubble_chart Anatomy

• Muscles: radial side, extensor digitorum and extensor pollicis longus; ulnar side, extensor digiti minimi; lower layer, extensor indicis muscle; When elbow is flexed and palm is facing downward, extensor digitorum muscle shifts toward ulnar side.
• Nerve: posterior cutaneous nerve of forearm ; deep layer, anterior and posterior interosseous nerves of forearm.
• Vessels: deeply part, anterior interosseous artery of the forearm and the posterior artery and vein.

bubble_chart Manipulation

Insert perpendicularly or slightly obliquely upward or downward, 0.5~1 cun in depth. Moxibustion with moxa cone 3 to 5 minutes, moxibustion with moxa stick for 5 to 15 minutes.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Disperse wind, clear heat, relieve rib-side.

• Classical: fever with aversion to wind, soreness and pain in joints, chest fullness and stiffness, hemiplegia, waist and foot spasm, unilateral or general headache, numbness of hands and feet, cold pain in eyes, scrofula and nodules, tinnitus and deafness, weakness and numbness of arm, soreness and heaviness of elbow and wrist, pain in the rib-side, abdominal pain with constipation, pain in all fingers with inability to grasp objects.
• Modern: common cold, pneumonia, mumps, otitis media, enuresis, wrist ptosis.

bubble_chart Combinations

• Headache and eye pain: Waiguan (TE5), Houxi (SI3).
• Common cold: Baihui (GV20), Waiguan (TE5), Hegu (LI4), Lieque (LU7).
• Numb fingers: Quchi (LI11), Waiguan (TE5).