SI3 Houxi Dog Acupuncture Point
Hòu Xī 后溪Professional veterinary acupuncture overview of SI3 Houxi in dogs, including anatomical location, neck and back pain support applications, Du vessel connection, and safety notes.
| Chinese Name | 后溪 |
| Pinyin | Hòu Xī |
| Meridian | Small Intestine Meridian (SI) |
| Anatomical Location | Proximal to the 5th MCP joint on the ulnar side, at the junction of the red and white skin (when a loose fist is made). |
| Main Indications | Stiff neck, deafness, epilepsy, neck pain, back pain, occipital headache, fever, convulsions, upper back pain. |
| Classical Function | ⭐ Shu-Stream; Confluent of Du vessel (opens Governing Vessel). |
| Meridian Color | Small Intestine Meridian | Fire (Yang Fire) | Red / Crimson |
Clinical Overview
In veterinary acupuncture practice, SI3 is a powerful point for dogs with neck and back pain, especially when related to Du channel disharmony or wind patterns.
TCVM practitioners often include SI3 in protocols aimed at expelling wind, benefiting the sinews, clearing heat, and accessing the Du (Governing) Vessel.
Veterinary Disclaimer
This educational content is not intended to replace professional veterinary diagnosis or treatment. Acupuncture and electroacupuncture should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian or certified veterinary acupuncturist.
SI3 Canine Acupuncture Point Placeholder
Use this area for the canine SI3 map or your future TCVM illustration.
Pinpoint Location
Anatomical Landmark
On the ulnar (outer) edge of the forepaw, proximal to the 5th metacarpophalangeal joint (knuckle of the little toe equivalent). When a loose fist is made, a small bulge forms at the end of the most distal transverse crease; locate SI3 in a palpable depression slightly proximal and dorsal to the bulge, at the junction of the red and white skin.
Primary Clinical Indications
- Stiff neck: A classic point for neck and head/upper back pain along the Du channel.
- Deafness: Frequently referenced for ear disorders and sensory orifice issues.
- Epilepsy: Often used for convulsions, tremors, and wind-related neurological patterns.
- Back pain: Opens the Du vessel and treats pain along the spine and upper back.
Recommended Point Pairings
In clinical veterinary acupuncture, SI3 is often paired with other neck, back, and Du vessel points depending on presentation.
Frequently paired with BL62 (Shenmai) as the classic Du vessel opening pair for back and neck pain.
Often combined with GV14, BL12, and local cervical/spinal points for stiffness and pain.
May be integrated into multimodal support strategies involving acupuncture, medical management, and rehabilitation.
Modern Veterinary Interpretation
From a modern veterinary rehabilitation perspective, SI3 is a distal point with strong pain-killing effects across tissues and neuroprotective properties.
Integrative veterinarians may include this point within broader neck, back, pain, and neurological-support plans involving acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and medical management.
Safety & Needling Notes
Professional Veterinary Use
Because SI3 lies in a sensitive forepaw area near the 5th metacarpal head, needling depth and angle should only be handled by trained veterinary professionals. Recommended technique: needle perpendicularly 0.5–0.7 cun or obliquely 0.2–0.3 cun distally.
Gentle Acupressure Guidance
Pet owners exploring supportive acupressure should use only gentle pressure on the outer forepaw edge and discontinue immediately if pain, stress, or guarding occurs.
Editorial & Veterinary Review
This educational resource was prepared by the PetAcu editorial team using veterinary acupuncture references, TCVM educational materials, canine rehabilitation resources, and integrative veterinary literature.
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