Houxi (SI3): The Neck Stiffness Point and Du Meridian Window

Introduction to Houxi

Houxi (后溪 SI3), meaning “Back Stream,” is one of the most clinically versatile acupoints on the Small Intestine Meridian. It is classified as the Shu-Stream point (输穴) of the Small Intestine Meridian and, critically, one of the Eight Confluent Points (八脉交会穴) that opens the Du Meridian (督脉) — the Governing Vessel that runs along the spine.

This Du Meridian connection makes Houxi exceptionally effective for neck stiffness, cervical spine problems, occipital headaches, and back pain — essentially any issue along the midline of the back and neck.

The name “Back Stream” refers to the small depression on the lateral side of the hand where the point is located, like a small stream flowing at the back of the fifth metacarpal.

Attribute	Detail
Meridian	Small Intestine Meridian of Hand-Taiyang (手太阳小肠经)
Point type	Shu-Stream point (输穴), Wood point
Special designation	Eight Confluent Point — opens Du Meridian
Element	Wood

Location

Houxi is located on the hand:

• Standard location: On the lateral side of the hand, at the junction of the red and white skin (where the palmar and dorsal skin meet), proximal to the 5th metacarpophalangeal joint, in the depression at the base of the metacarpal bone
• Easy method: Make a loose fist. The point is in the crease line on the outer (pinky side) edge of the hand, just behind the knuckle of the little finger

Pro tip: When you make a fist, a natural crease forms on the outer edge of the palm. Slide your finger from the little finger knuckle toward the wrist — the first major depression you encounter is Houxi.

Key Functions

1. Open the Du Meridian and Relax the Neck

As the confluent point that connects to the Du Meridian (which governs the spine), Houxi has a direct effect on:

• Cervical spine stiffness and limited rotation
• Neck pain from poor posture (especially “tech neck”)
• Torticollis (wry neck)
• Cervical spondylosis symptoms

2. Clear Heat and Calm the Spirit

The Small Intestine Meridian’s relationship with the Heart (its paired organ) means Houxi can:

• Clear Heart Fire causing insomnia and anxiety
• Calm manic behavior and mental restlessness
• Treat night crying in children

3. Relieve Occipital Headaches

Through the Taiyang (Small Intestine) meridian’s pathway to the occiput, Houxi treats:

• Pain at the back of the head (occipital headache)
• Headache radiating from the neck to the scalp
• Tension headaches involving the suboccipital muscles

4. Regulate the Lower Back

The Du Meridian connection also gives Houxi influence over:

• Acute lumbar sprain
• Chronic lower back stiffness
• Back spasms

Clinical Applications

Neck Stiffness and “Tech Neck”

Houxi is the first-choice point for modern neck problems:

• Office workers: Stiff neck from prolonged computer use
• Phone users: “Text neck” with pain at the base of the skull
• Acute torticollis: Waking up with a “cricked” neck
• Combined with: Fengchi (GB20) and Tianzhu (BL10) for comprehensive neck treatment

Cervical Spondylosis

For degenerative cervical spine conditions:

• Reduces neck and shoulder pain
• Helps with numbness radiating to the arms
• Often combined with Dazhui (GV14) and Jianliao (TE14)

Occipital Headache

For pain at the back of the head:

• Acupressure: Press Houxi firmly while gently rotating the neck
• Combined with: Fengchi (GB20) and Houhui (GV19)
• Especially effective for: Headaches that start at the neck and radiate forward

Acute Back Sprain

Houxi is classically used for sudden back injuries:

• Press Houxi on both hands while the patient gently rotates the torso
• Can provide immediate relief for acute lumbar sprain
• Combined with Renzhong (GV26) for severe acute episodes

Herpes Zoster (Shingles)

The Small Intestine Meridian’s pathway makes Houxi relevant for:

• Shingles affecting the torso or intercostal region
• Often used with points along the affected meridian

The Eight Confluent Point Connection

Houxi’s special relationship with the Du Meridian is part of the Eight Confluent Points system:

Point	Meridian	Opens
Houxi (SI3)	Small Intestine	Du Meridian (GV)
Shenmai (BL62)	Bladder	Yang Qiao Mai
Lieque (LU7)	Lung	Ren Meridian (CV)
Zhaohai (KI6)	Kidney	Yin Qiao Mai

When Houxi is needled or pressed, it sends a signal along the Du Meridian — the channel that runs from the perineum up the spine, over the head, to the upper lip. This is why a point on the hand can so powerfully affect the neck and back.

Acupressure Self-Care

Technique

1. Position: Hold one hand with the palm facing down, fingers slightly curled
2. Locate: Find the depression on the outer edge of the hand, behind the little finger knuckle
3. Press: Use the thumbnail or index fingernail of the opposite hand to press firmly
4. Motion: Apply steady pressure with small circular motions
5. Duration: 1–3 minutes per hand
6. Intensity: Moderate to strong — a deep ache is expected

Neck Relief Routine

For neck stiffness, try this 5-minute self-care sequence:

1. Press Houxi (SI3): 1 minute per hand
2. Rotate neck gently: Slow circles while maintaining pressure
3. Press Fengchi (GB20): 1 minute at the base of the skull
4. Gentle neck stretches: Tilt ear to shoulder, hold 15 seconds each side
5. Repeat Houxi: 30 seconds per hand

When to Use

• Morning neck stiffness: Press Houxi before getting out of bed
• After long computer work: Press and stretch during breaks
• Acute neck spasm: Firm pressure for 3–5 minutes
• Occipital headache: Press Houxi + Fengchi simultaneously

Moxibustion on Houxi

Moxibustion is useful for:

• Cold-type neck stiffness (worse in cold weather)
• Chronic cervical issues with cold sensation
• Weakness in the hands and arms

Use mild moxa for 5–10 minutes. The small area requires careful application — moxa sticks are preferable to direct moxa.

Key Combinations

Combination	Purpose
Houxi + Fengchi (GB20)	Neck stiffness and occipital headache
Houxi + Dazhui (GV14)	Cervical spine issues, upper back pain
Houxi + Shenmai (BL62)	Du Meridian + Yang Qiao Mai (paired confluent points)
Houxi + Tianzhu (BL10)	Occipital headache and neck tension
Houxi + Lieque (LU7)	Opens both Du and Ren Meridians — comprehensive spine treatment

Precautions

Situation	Guidance
Open wounds	Do not apply acupressure over broken skin on the hand
Arthritis of the hand	Use gentle pressure; stop if joint pain increases
Pregnancy	Generally safe, but consult a practitioner for regular use
After meals	No specific restriction — this point is safe to use anytime

Key Takeaways

• Houxi (SI3) is the most important acupoint for neck stiffness — especially from modern tech use
• It opens the Du Meridian, giving it direct access to the spine and Governing Vessel
• Effective for occipital headaches, cervical spondylosis, and acute back sprain
• One of the Eight Confluent Points — pairs with Shenmai (BL62)
• Easy to find and ideal for self-acupressure throughout the day

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Acupuncture should be performed by a licensed practitioner. If you experience persistent neck pain with numbness or weakness in the arms, consult a healthcare professional to rule out serious cervical spine conditions.

Related Articles

• Fengchi (GB20): The Wind Pool Point for Headaches
• Lieque (LU7): The Head and Neck Point
• Dazhui (GV14): The Crossing Point of All Yang
• TCM Office Wellness: Staying Healthy at Your Desk