SI 3 — Hòu Xī (后溪) — Back Ravine
On this page
1. Overview
SI 3 — Hòu Xī (后溪) — is an acupuncture point on the Small Intestine meridian. Its English name, Back Ravine, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use SI 3 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
When a loose fist is made, the point is on the ulnar side of the hand, proximal to the 5th metacarpophalangeal joint, at the junction of the red and white skin.
3. Actions
- Opens and regulates the Du Mai (Governing Vessel)
- Benefits the neck and back — the command point for the spine
- Clears Wind and Heat from the Du Mai
- Calms the Mind and treats mania
- Benefits the eyes and ears
4. Indications
- Neck pain, stiff neck and cervical spondylosis
- Acute low back pain and lumbar disc disease
- Headache at the occiput and vertex
- Tinnitus and deafness from Heat in the Small Intestine or Du Mai
- Malaria and febrile disease
- Epilepsy and mania from disturbance of the Du Mai
- Sciatica via the Du Mai connection
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.5–1.0 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
SI 3 is the Shu-Stream and Wood point of the Small Intestine meridian and, critically, the opening point of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel). This makes it the command point for the spine — paired with BL 62 (Shenmai) to open the Du Mai, it is one of the most important combinations in the treatment of acute and chronic back pain, sciatica and spinal conditions. The combination SI 3 + BL 62 is regularly used for all conditions along the spine and back of the body, including lumbar disc disease and cervicogenic headache.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use SI 3 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Neck pain, Back pain, Sciatica, Headaches, Tinnitus. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
