Zhigou TE6 : Nomenclature, Location, Function, Indication

Nomenclature:

Zhi: limb Gou: ditch
Zhi here refers to the upper limbs. Zhigou point is located between the radius and the ulna.

Point: TE6
Chinese Name: 支溝
Name: Zhigou
English Name/Meaning: Branching Ditch
Pinyin: zhī gōu
Han Geul 한글: ji gu 지구
Romaji: shi kō?
Vietnamese: Chi câu

Location:

On the dorsal aspect of the forearm, 3 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:

• Removes obstruction from the 3 burners.
• Opens intestines (circulates Qi in intestines, constipation).
• Clears heat and expels wind (Febrile disease, reashes, herpes zoster).

Indication:

• Zhigou is major point for moving the qi of the intestines and treating constipation. (Whether due to stagnation of qi, heat or any other etiology.)
• Zhigou is also an essential point for treating pain of the lateral costal region and distention due to qi stagnation or any other etiology.
• Also clear heat from the SJ channel, being indicated for febrile diseases, redness, pain and swelling of the eyes, tinnitus and deafness, lockjaw, swollen throat, scrofula etc.
• Zhigou resolve stagnation of qi in the chest giving rise to oppression of the chest and Heart pain.

Method:

Puncture perpendicularly 0.5-1.0 cun

Remarks:

Jing-River Point.
SJ 6 and SJ 5 are the only points on the three arm yang channels indicated for constipation.