TB 5 — Wài Guān (外关) — Outer Pass

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

TB 5 — Wài Guān (外关) — is an acupuncture point on the Triple Burner (San Jiao) meridian. Its English name, Outer Pass, 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 TB 5 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

2 cun above the dorsal transverse crease of the wrist, between the radius and ulna.

3. Actions

1. Releases the Exterior and dispels Wind-Heat
2. Opens the Yang Wei Mai (Yang Linking Vessel)
3. Clears Heat and resolves toxicity
4. Benefits the ears
5. Activates the channel and relieves pain in the arm and shoulder

4. Indications

1. Common cold and influenza from Wind-Heat
2. Tinnitus and sudden hearing loss
3. Temporal headache and migraine
4. Shoulder and arm pain from Wind-Cold obstruction
5. Febrile disease with alternating hot and cold

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

TB 5 is the Luo-Connecting point of the San Jiao and the opening point of the Yang Wei Mai. It is the mirror image of PC 6 — one on the dorsal aspect, one on the palmar — and they are frequently needled together as a through-needle from PC 6 to TB 5, combining the calming, antiemetic action of PC 6 with the Exterior-releasing, Heat-clearing action of TB 5. TB 5 is an important point for tinnitus, particularly acute-onset tinnitus from exterior Wind-Heat invasion.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use TB 5 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Tinnitus, Migraines, Headaches, Allergies. 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.