Yang Chi (TE4 阳池): The Yang Pool — TCM's Key Acupoint for Cold Hands, Wrist Pain, and Fluid Metabolism

Introduction to Yang Chi

Yang Chi (阳池 TE4), meaning “Yang Pool,” is the source point (原穴) of the Triple Burner (San Jiao) Meridian. Located on the dorsal wrist, it serves as a key point for warming the extremities, relieving wrist pain, and supporting the body’s fluid regulation system.

The name “Yang Pool” paints a clear picture: this is where Yang energy pools and gathers on the wrist’s sunny (dorsal) side. In TCM theory, the Triple Burner governs the body’s water pathways and the movement of Qi through the three body cavities. As its source point, Yang Chi is the primary access point for influencing this entire system.

Attribute	Detail
Meridian	Triple Burner Meridian of Hand-Shaoyang (手少阳三焦经)
Point type	Source point (原穴) of the Triple Burner
Command region	Wrist, hands, fluid metabolism, upper limbs

Location

Yang Chi is located on the dorsal (back) side of the wrist:

• Standard location: On the transverse crease of the dorsal wrist, in the depression between the tendons of extensor digitorum communis and extensor digiti minimi, on the ulnar side of the tendon of extensor pollicis longus
• Easy method: Turn your hand palm-down. On the wrist crease at the back of the hand, you will see several tendon lines. The point sits in the small depression at the center of the wrist crease, between the tendons — when you flex your wrist backward slightly, the depression becomes more obvious

Pro tip: Flex your wrist backward (extend it) and feel for the deepest point in the central crease. This is approximately Yang Chi.

Key Functions

1. Warm Cold Hands and Extremities

Yang Chi is one of the most effective points for chronically cold hands. The Triple Burner’s source point helps mobilize Yang Qi to the extremities:

• Cold hands that never seem to warm up
• Raynaud’s-type symptoms (color changes in fingers with cold)
• Cold fingers worsened by stress
• General cold intolerance in the upper limbs

2. Relieve Wrist Pain

Located directly on the wrist, Yang Chi is a first-line point for wrist conditions:

• Wrist pain and stiffness
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (supporting point)
• Wrist sprain and strain
• Repetitive strain injury of the wrist

3. Regulate Fluid Metabolism

As the Triple Burner’s source point, Yang Chi influences the body’s water regulation system:

• Edema and swelling, especially in the upper body
• Difficulty urinating (as a supporting point)
• Fluid retention patterns
• Dry mouth and throat (when fluids are not distributing properly)

4. Support the Triple Burner Function

The Triple Burner coordinates the body’s three cavities (chest, upper abdomen, lower abdomen). Yang Chi helps:

• Harmonize upper, middle, and lower body functions
• Support the body’s temperature regulation
• Aid in the smooth flow of Qi between body regions

Clinical Applications

Cold Hands

Yang Chi is particularly effective for people whose hands are persistently cold — a common complaint, especially among women and those with Yang deficiency constitutions:

• Acupressure: Press Yang Chi firmly for 2–3 minutes per wrist, then rub hands together vigorously
• Combined with: Hegu (LI4) and Neiguan (PC6) for comprehensive warming
• Moxibustion: Excellent results with moxa over Yang Chi — the warmth penetrates deeply

Wrist Pain and Carpal Tunnel

For desk workers and those with repetitive wrist strain:

• Acute wrist sprain: Press Yang Chi + Yangxi (LI5) + Wangu (SI4)
• Carpal tunnel: Yang Chi + Daling (PC7) + Neiguan (PC6) — addresses both the dorsal and palmar sides
• Chronic stiffness: Daily acupressure + gentle wrist circles while pressing the point

Diabetes Support (TCM Context)

In TCM, diabetes (消渴, Xiao Ke) is related to Triple Burner dysfunction. Yang Chi, as the Triple Burner’s source point, is sometimes included in acupuncture protocols for:

• Supporting fluid metabolism
• Managing thirst and dry mouth
• Complementary support alongside standard treatment

Throat and Ear Issues

The Triple Burner Meridian connects to the ear, and Yang Chi can support:

• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) — as a supporting point
• Sore throat with dryness
• Difficulty swallowing

Acupressure Self-Care

Technique

1. Position: Rest your forearm on a table, palm facing down
2. Locate: Find the central depression on the back of the wrist crease
3. Press: Use your opposite thumb to press into the depression
4. Motion: Steady pressure with small circular motions
5. Duration: 2–3 minutes per wrist
6. Intensity: A moderate dull ache is the target sensation

The Cold-Hand Warm-Up Routine

A practical self-care sequence for cold hands:

1. Press Yang Chi (TE4) — 2 minutes each wrist
2. Press Hegu (LI4) — 1 minute each hand
3. Rub hands together vigorously for 30 seconds
4. Shake hands loosely at the wrists for 15 seconds
5. Repeat if needed

This routine stimulates Yang Qi flow to the hands and can provide noticeable warming within minutes.

Recommended Routines

Condition	Pressure Time	Frequency
Cold hands	2–3 minutes per wrist	Morning and evening
Wrist pain	2 minutes affected side	3 times daily
Fluid retention	1–2 minutes per wrist	Morning
General wellness	1 minute per wrist	Daily

Moxibustion on Yang Chi

Moxibustion is especially effective on Yang Chi for warming cold hands:

• Use a moxa stick held 2–3 cm above the point for 10–15 minutes
• The warmth radiates from the wrist into the fingers
• Particularly helpful during cold seasons or for people with cold constitutions
• Can be combined with moxa on Mingmen (GV4) and Guanyuan (CV4) for whole-body Yang tonification

Key Combinations

Combination	Purpose
Yang Chi + Hegu (LI4)	Warming hands, general upper limb pain
Yang Chi + Neiguan (PC6)	Wrist pain (dorsal + palmar approach)
Yang Chi + Wai Guan (TE5)	Triple Burner disorders, ear issues
Yang Chi + Zusanli (ST36)	Yang deficiency, cold extremities
Yang Chi + Guanyuan (CV4)	Deep Yang warming, cold constitution
Yang Chi + Taichong (LR3)	Cold hands from Qi stagnation (stress-related)

Precautions

Situation	Guidance
Wrist injury	Avoid strong pressure on acute sprains; consult a practitioner
Pregnancy	Generally safe with gentle pressure, but consult a practitioner
Severe Raynaud’s	Use as complementary support; seek medical evaluation for underlying causes
Skin conditions	Avoid direct pressure if the dorsal wrist has open wounds or severe dermatitis

Key Takeaways

• Yang Chi (TE4) is the Triple Burner’s source point — the Yang Pool where warming energy gathers
• One of the best acupoints for chronically cold hands and poor peripheral circulation
• Directly treats wrist pain and stiffness from its anatomical location
• Influences the body’s fluid metabolism through the Triple Burner connection
• Excellent candidate for moxibustion when warming is the goal

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Acupuncture should be performed by a licensed practitioner. Persistent cold hands may indicate underlying conditions — consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation.

Related Articles

• Wai Guan (TE5): The Outer Pass
• Hegu (LI4): The Master Point for Pain Relief
• Neiguan (PC6): The Point for Nausea and Heart Health
• The Triple Burner (San Jiao): TCM’s Unique Organ