Naturally Soothe Lower Back Pain With This Easily Accessible Acupoint

Stimulating the acupoint Hou Xi soothes the low back and eases painful conditions of the neck and the back of the shoulder.

Si3 Si3 Back Stream (Hou Xi) The Epoch Times

Low back pain affects up to 80 percent of U.S. adults. Whether it stems from a mechanical strain, post-surgical recovery, or underlying kidney weakness, the effect is often the same: limited mobility, daily discomfort, and a major drop in quality of life.

Low back pain can turn everyday movements into challenges, wearing down physical and emotional resilience. What if relief could start at the hand? In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), there’s a point known for that: The acupoint Back Stream (Hou Xi, SI3) can offer meaningful support in the face of chronic or acute pain.

From Ancient Classification to Modern Practice

Hou Xi is first mentioned in the “Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot),” a classical TCM text. It is classified as a Shu-Stream point on the Small Intestine meridian. Shu-Stream points are well-known for their effectiveness in treating painful conditions.

What makes Hou Xi particularly notable is its designation as the Master Point of the Du Governing Vessel. This energy pathway runs along the midline of the back and spine and plays a crucial role in regulating Yang energy and central nervous system functions.

In TCM, activating the Du Vessel is believed to enhance Yang Qi, calm the spirit, and support mental and physical resilience. Hou Xi is recognized for its ability to open the Du meridian, making it invaluable for mental health support. It can help address issues such as low mood, insomnia, and even dissociative disorders. Notably, it has been included in treatment protocols for traumatic dementia, highlighting its potential benefits for brain health.

However, Hou Xi is primarily used to treat lower back pain. In conventional medicine, treatment methods varied based on the underlying cause of the pain, whether it was improper posture leading to strain or weakened kidney function causing lumbar discomfort. While lower back pain can arise from various sources, TCM practitioners often use Hou Xi to relieve these aches, and it has proven effective as a standalone treatment.

Additionally, the pain-relieving properties of Hou Xi extend beyond the lumbar region. It is a common choice in acupuncture protocols for painful conditions of the neck and the back of the shoulder.

Evidence Builds: SI3 and the Neck Connection

Modern research is mapping some functional effects that TCM has described for centuries. One study explored how manual acupuncture at Hou Xi affects microcirculation in the neck. In the study, 60 healthy volunteers were divided into groups and received acupuncture at a control point on the lung meridian and at Hou Xi. Researchers recorded the skin temperature of the posterior neck, which serves as a marker of blood flow and vascular response.

The results showed that acupuncture at SI3 significantly increased the temperature of the neck, indicating enhanced blood flow and improved microcirculation. In contrast, the control acupoint produced no such effect. Interestingly, stimulating Hou Xi on either the left or right hand yielded the same benefits, reinforcing the point’s systemic action.

How to Locate and Stimulate Hou Xi

To locate the acupoint Hou Xi, make a relaxed fist. The point is situated on the outer side of the hand, just behind the knuckle of the pinky finger. It is easy to find, as it is next to the prominent crease that forms when you make a fist. Gently press around this area to identify a spot that feels sore or tender to touch. These sensations indicate the presence of the acupoint.

How to Stimulate Hou Xi

• Pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, rest for three seconds, and repeat for one to three minutes on each hand.
• Massage: Using your thumb or index finger, gently massage in a circular motion.
• Herbal Patch: For overnight stimulation, you can apply an herbal patch.

For deeper therapeutic impact, a trained TCM professional may stimulate Hou Xi using acupuncture or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy with dried mugwort), depending on the pattern diagnosis.

Precautions

Avoid using Hou Xi if there are open wounds, inflammation, or skin damage near the point. For those with sensitive skin, refrain from using patches containing aggressive or artificial ingredients to prevent irritation or allergic reactions.

Why Not to Power Through the Pain

Lower back pain may seem like a common issue, but it can signal deeper problems like kidney imbalance, spinal inflammation, or structural weakness. It should never be ignored or brushed off. While it’s important to seek a full medical evaluation if pain persists, Hou Xi can be a reliable support point in your recovery process. Whether your pain stems from fatigue, injury, or emotional stress, acupressure at Hou Xi can help stimulate energy circulation, relieve discomfort, and reconnect you with a sense of ease in your body.

TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.