Waiguan TE5 : Nomenclature, Location, Function, Indication

Nomenclature:

Wai: lateral Guan: Pass
Waiguan is at an important place on the lateral aspect of the forearm like a pass.

Point: TE5
Chinese Name: 外关
Name: Waiguan
English Name/Meaning: Outer Pass
Pinyin: wài guān
Han Geul 한글: oe gwan 외관
Romaji: gai kan
Vietnamese: Ngoại quan

Location:

On the dorsal aspect of the forearm, 2 cun above the transverse crease of the the dorsum of the wrist, on the connecting Yangchi(TE4) and the tip of the elbow between the ulna and radius.

Functions:

• Dissipates wind and resolves exterior (reduce inflammation).
• Moves Qi (pain in arm, wrist joint, migraine).
• Regulates shaoyang ( Alternating chills and fever).

Indication:

• Waiguan in main point for headache (migraine), pain in the cheek, redness, swelling and pain in the eyes, tinnitus and deafness.
• Pain in the hypochondriac region.
• Febrile disease.

Method:

Slightly oblique insertion towards the ulnar side or oblique proximal or distal insertion towards the elbow or wrist respectively, 0.5 to 1.5 cun.

Remarks:

Luo-Connecting Point.
One of the Eight Confluent Points associating with the Yang Link Vessel.

Precaution:

Movement of the patient’s arm or hand after needling this point can result in a bent needle.