Acupoints & Essential Oils: Small Intestine 3 & Wintergreen

Welcome to this month's Acupressure and Essential Oils series!

If you missed our previous posts in the series, you can catch up on the blog posts here.

If you prefer video, watch here: Acupoints and Essential Oils Small Intestine 3 and Wintergreen Oil

Today, we're focusing on Small Intestine 3, also known as Hou Xi. This acupoint is a true gem, offering relief for pain, supporting decision-making, and promoting overall well-being. I use this point myself all the time and every day in my clinic.

The Magic of Small Intestine 3

Small Intestine 3 (Hou Xi) is a powerhouse acupoint, especially effective for those suffering from neck pain and stiffness along the spine, including the occipital area. It serves as a natural remedy, opening meridians and enhancing the flow of qi in the affected areas.

But its benefits, like all acupoints and meridians, go beyond physical. This point is intricately connected to the yang energy in our body, aiding in clear decision-making. Small Intestine 3 supports us in times of uncertainty, helping us distinguish what we need to release and what we should hold on to.

The Small Intestine Meridian is associated with the Fire element, and its yin partner is the Heart Meridian.

Locating and Massaging Small Intestine 3

Locating and massaging Small Intestine 3 is easy. With a loose fist, slide along the fifth metacarpal (pinky finger side of the hand) and locate the depression.
Gently massage the point, allowing the tension to melt away. You can also pinch it, do three one-way, reverse three times, and then switch to the other side of the body. This simple technique can provide relief for pain and stiffness, especially in the neck and spine.

Small Intestine 3 and Essential Oils

To enhance the healing effects, I love incorporating essential oils.
Options like Deep Blue (a doTERRA blend) or Wintergreen work wonders for pain relief.
Wintergreen, which is found in the Deep Blue blend, has warm and soothing properties, which have a positive and uplifting effect on the mind.

Wintergreen oil has also been used in traditional medicine to promote the body's detoxification, reduce pain and improve circulation.

Of course, you can always use natural oils like olive or any carrier oil, as stimulation of the acupoint itself is potent.

Holistic Healing with Small Intestine 3

Small Intestine 3 isn't just about physical well-being—it's a holistic healer. Beyond alleviating pain, it can help with fever, release pathogens, and calm the spirit when feeling agitated. This acupoint opens the senses, activating the eyes, ears, nose, and taste, creating a profound sense of balance.

Bonus Tip: Combining Points for Total Relaxation

For a comprehensive approach to relaxation, consider combining Small Intestine 3 with Bladder 62, located on the opposite extremity, on the foot.
Together, these points treat the entire back, helping to release tension and promote a more relaxed flow of qi in the meridians.

Enjoy exploring the benefits of Small Intestine 3, and let me know how you are doing. Feel free to share your experiences on Instagram or leave a comment on the YouTube video.

For more resources on Acupressure, Essential Oils, and the Five Elements according to Chinese medicine, explore our offerings here.

Stay tuned for our next point and oil pairing.

Until then, embrace the harmony within!

🤍 Angela

Accredited Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Founder of Meridian Flow 

To learn more about Essential Oils, visit Alpine Angel.