Hegu 合谷
On the back of the hand, at the level of the middle of the second metacarpal bone, in the flesh on its thumb (radial) side — beside the bone, not on top of it.
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🖼See it in pictures
Second metacarpal bone · First metacarpal bone · Dorsal interossei muscles of hand · Transverse head of adductor pollicis · Oblique head of adductor pollicis
Rendered straight from the 3D model at the computed location. The glowing ring marks Hegu.
On this page
1Where is Hegu?
On the back of the hand, at the level of the middle of the second metacarpal bone, in the flesh on its thumb (radial) side — beside the bone, not on top of it.
Second metacarpal bone · First metacarpal bone · Dorsal interossei muscles of hand · Transverse head of adductor pollicis · Oblique head of adductor pollicis
2How do I find it on my body?
- Trace the second metacarpal from its head at the second metacarpophalangeal joint (the index-finger knuckle) back to its base near the wrist.
- At the halfway level, feel the thumb-side edge of the bone and press the flesh just a little further toward the thumb.
- transverse head of adductor pollicis
- The head of adductor pollicis that runs across from the third metacarpal. It lies inside the web between thumb and index finger.
- oblique head of adductor pollicis
- The head of adductor pollicis that slants in from the wrist bones.
- metacarpophalangeal joint
- The joint where a metacarpal meets the first bone of a finger, the root joint of the finger. It is the knuckle that rises on the back of the hand when you make a fist.
3Before you press
- Do not press this point during pregnancy.
- Avoid broken or swollen skin, and press only to a comfortable level — acupressure is not a substitute for medical care.
4How has it been used traditionally?
- In an old verse of "four command points", it is the point paired with the face and mouth.
- Together with Taichong (LR3) on the foot, the four points (both sides) are traditionally called the "Four Gates" and used as a set.
From traditional texts — not a claim of effect.
?FAQ
Where exactly is Hegu?
On the back of the hand, at the level of the middle of the second metacarpal bone, in the flesh on its thumb (radial) side — beside the bone, not on top of it.
How do I find Hegu?
Trace the second metacarpal from its head at the second metacarpophalangeal joint (the index-finger knuckle) back to its base near the wrist. At the halfway level, feel the thumb-side edge of the bone and press the flesh just a little further toward the thumb. when you hold your thumb against the side of the index finger, the muscle that bulges up (first dorsal interosseous) usually peaks near this spot.
Can I press it during pregnancy?
Do not press this point during pregnancy.
What should I watch out for?
Do not press this point during pregnancy. Avoid broken or swollen skin, and press only to a comfortable level — acupressure is not a substitute for medical care.
Sources
- Location: WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region (2008)
- Traditional use: Korean study book "Hyeoljari Seodang"
- 3D: computed on Z-Anatomy (CC BY-SA 4.0) · BodyParts3D © DBCLS
Positions computed from the WHO standard locations (2008) on Z-Anatomy (CC BY-SA 4.0) · BodyParts3D © DBCLS. For reference only — not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. See a clinician if you are unwell.