Hegu

The name Hegu combines the characters for “to come together” and “valley.” It refers to its location in a valley-like hollow between the thumb and index finger. Hegu is the Chinese pronunciation of the name.

It lies between the first and second metacarpal bones—the long bones that run through the back of the hand to the bases of the fingers. More precisely, it is about halfway along the thumb-side edge of the second metacarpal. It is easy to find by pressing near the fleshy mound that rises on the back of the hand when you bring your thumb and index finger together. Its location varies slightly with hand size and the amount of soft tissue, so rather than looking for a single exact spot, it is helpful to find an area nearby where pressure produces a deep, resonating sensation.

Hegu belongs to the Large Intestine Meridian and is its yuan-source point. A yuan-source point is considered an important site where the energy of its meridian gathers. Here, “Large Intestine Meridian” is a name used within the traditional organ-system framework, not a direct reference to the large intestine as understood in modern anatomy.

The “Song of the Four Command Points” in classical medical texts includes the line, “The face and mouth are addressed at Hegu.” This is why Hegu is often the first point considered for discomfort involving the face, mouth, nose, and head. It is therefore frequently used for headaches, toothaches, and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. Hegu on the hand is also paired with Taichong on the foot in a combination called the “Four Gates,” used to help energy flow freely throughout the body.

In Korea, there is a long-standing custom of firmly pressing or pricking the area between the thumb and index finger when someone has indigestion. This area is near Hegu.

• Needling — It is one of the most frequently used points for Acupuncture at Korean medicine clinics. It is often needled alongside other points for symptoms involving the face, neck, and shoulders.
• Acupressure — During Acupressure or hand massage, the point is stimulated with steady thumb pressure. This also helps ease soreness on the back of the hand after a day of heavy hand use.
• Moxibustion — It is also used in Moxibustion, a therapy that applies warming stimulation.
• Koryo hand acupuncture — It is also considered an important site in Koryo hand acupuncture, which addresses the whole body through the hands.

1. Open one hand comfortably and place the thumb of your other hand on Hegu. 2. Using the tip of your thumb, slowly press at an angle toward the second metacarpal bone. 3. At the spot where you feel a deep, resonating sensation, hold the pressure for about 5 to 10 seconds, then slowly release. 4. Repeat about 3 to 5 times, then do the same on the other hand.

You do not need to press hard enough to cause pain. Pressing while breathing out comfortably gently releases tension in the hand. On days when your hands feel cold, warming them first can make the pressure feel more comfortable.

• Use caution during pregnancy. Traditional medicine has long treated stimulation of Hegu during pregnancy with caution. If you are pregnant, talk with a Korean medicine doctor or your healthcare team before using acupressure.
• Take care if your hand is injured or swollen. It is best not to press areas where the skin is wounded or where there is swelling and pain.
• People experience the effects differently. Some people feel immediate relief when the point is pressed, while others notice little change.
• Rest your hands after acupressure. Briefly shaking out your hands and keeping them warm after pressing can help them feel comfortable.