TE5 Waiguan Dog Acupuncture Point
Wài Guān 外关Professional veterinary acupuncture overview of TE5 Waiguan (TH5) in dogs, including anatomical location, fever, headache, and forelimb paralysis applications, Luo-Connecting and Yang Wei confluent point function, and safety notes.
| Chinese Name | 外关 |
| Pinyin | Wài Guān |
| Meridian | Triple Heater Meridian (TE/TH) |
| Anatomical Location | 3 cun above the carpus on the craniolateral aspect of the foreleg in the interosseous space between the radius and ulna (opposite to PC-6). In humans: 2 cun proximal to the dorsal crease of the wrist, on the line connecting Yangchi (TE 4) and the tip of olecranon, between the radius and ulna. |
| Main Indications | Fever, headache, forelimb paralysis, red eyes, ear problems, neck pain, upper limb disorders including elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand, Shaoyang stage diseases (alternating fever and chills), exterior wind-cold, wind-heat, elbow pain, wrist pain, arm numbness. |
| Classical Function | ⭐ Luo-Connecting; Confluent of Yang Wei vessel. |
| Meridian Color | Triple Heater Meridian | Fire (Ministerial Fire) | Red |
Clinical Overview
In veterinary acupuncture practice, TE5 is an important point for treating exterior conditions, fever, headache, and upper limb disorders including forelimb paralysis.
TCVM practitioners often include TE5 in protocols aimed at beginning exterior conditions, tonifying for wind-cold and cold-damp, sedating for wind-heat and fever, and relieving upper limb pain and paralysis.
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.
Luo-Connecting & Yang Wei Confluent Point
TE5 is the Luo-Connecting point of the Triple Heater meridian, which connects to the Pericardium meridian (PC6). It is also the Master point of the Yang Wei vessel, coupled with GB41. As master points of the Yang Wei and Yin Wei respectively, TE5 and PC6 can effect the balance of yin and yang in the body. If the right pulse is stronger than the left (more Qi than Blood), disperse TE5 and tonify PC6, and vice versa.
TE5 Canine Acupuncture Point Placeholder
Use this area for the canine TE5 map or your future TCVM illustration.
Pinpoint Location
Anatomical Landmark
On the craniolateral aspect of the foreleg, locate the carpus (wrist). TE5 is 3 cun above the carpus in the interosseous space between the radius and ulna, opposite to PC-6 (which is on the medial/inner side). In dogs, this point sits on the outer-lateral foreleg about 3 cun above the wrist fold.
Primary Clinical Indications
- Fever: A classic point for beginning exterior conditions, tonifying for wind-cold and cold-damp, and sedating for wind-heat and fever. Also used for Shaoyang stage diseases with alternating fever and chills.
- Headache: Frequently used for headache from exterior wind, migraines, and headaches in any area especially with stiffness or pain in the posterior and lateral aspects of the neck.
- Forelimb paralysis: Key point for upper limb disorders including the elbow, forearm, wrist, and hand, as well as forelimb paralysis and arm numbness.
- Red eyes & ear problems: Commonly included for red eyes, ear problems, and neck pain.
Recommended Point Pairings
In clinical veterinary acupuncture, TE5 is often paired with other exterior-condition, fever, and upper limb support points depending on presentation.
Frequently paired with PC6 (Neiguan) as master points of the Yang Wei and Yin Wei respectively to effect the balance of yin and yang in the body.
Often combined with GV14, LI4, and BL12 for fever, wind-cold, wind-heat, and exterior conditions.
May be integrated with LI10, LI11, and ST36 for upper limb disorders, forelimb paralysis, and arm numbness.
Modern Veterinary Interpretation
From a modern veterinary rehabilitation perspective, TE5 is positioned on the craniolateral foreleg and is highly effective for forelimb paralysis, elbow pain, wrist pain, and upper limb motor dysfunction.
Integrative veterinarians may include this point within broader fever, headache, forelimb, and upper limb support plans involving acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and medical management.
Safety & Needling Notes
Professional Veterinary Use
Because TE5 lies between the radius and ulna, needling depth and angle should only be handled by trained veterinary professionals. Recommended technique: needle perpendicularly 0.5–1.0 cun.
Gentle Acupressure Guidance
Pet owners exploring supportive acupressure can use gentle, firm pressure on the craniolateral foreleg about 3 cun above the carpus for 1–2 minutes per side. Avoid aggressive pressure if the dog shows discomfort or pulls away.
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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