If you were asked to name the world’s most common peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome, you might draw a blank, unless you have a medical background. However, when asked about carpal tunnel syndrome, chances are you’ll recall either your own sore wrists or someone else’s hand braces.
Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common peripheral nerve entrapment syndrome, a condition where nerves become compressed or irritated, often disrupting one’s ability to work, rest, and enjoy daily life. Treatments range from painkillers and surgery to myofascial stretches and ergonomic tools.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers another option: an acupoint on the wrist called Channel Canal (Jing Qu, LU8). It’s free, non-pharmaceutical, and—like many holistic remedies—offers an additional unexpected benefit.
Channel Canal: TCM Perspective and Real-World Benefits
Jing Qu first appeared in the classical Chinese medicine text “Ling Shu” (“Spiritual Pivot”). In TCM, it is considered a Jing-River point of the Lung meridian, where the energy of the meridian accelerates and intensifies, much like a river surging downstream. These types of points are great for pushing out invading “pathogens” and restoring proper energy flow.
To understand why those mechanisms matter, picture the lung meridian as a river, flowing from the chest down the arm to the thumb. If there is debris in the stream or the water starts flowing backward, it disrupts the entire channel, affecting both upstream—the lungs—and downstream—the wrists and hands.
Jing-River points are critical for clearing that debris and keeping the current steady, making Jing Qu effective for symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. What’s more, Jing-River points directly benefit the muscles, tendons, and joints around them. For this reason, Jing Qu is often included in protocols for conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome or wrist stiffness caused by repetitive strain.
Jing Qu in Modern Research
As acupuncture steadily earns its place in mainstream medical practice, researchers are becoming curious about the physical and functional properties of acupoints. Jing Qu has been the subject of two particularly revealing studies.
In the first study, scientists investigated how blood flow behaves at various acupoints, including Jing Qu, in individuals with and without conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. Using laser technology, they discovered that Jing Qu showed unique patterns of changes in blood flow, depending on the person’s health status. These changes suggest that Jing Qu affects localized microcirculation, making it a valuable point for therapies for wrist-related symptoms.
In the second study, Jing Qu was stimulated alongside another acupoint on the Lung meridian in rats to investigate its impact on internal organ function. Researchers found that activating Jing Qu increased colorectal movement and stimulated the cardiopulmonary sympathetic nerve. This effect mimicked stimulation of the Large Intestine meridian, supporting the classical TCM theory that the lungs and large intestine are energetically linked.
How to Locate and Stimulate Jing Qu
Jing Qu is located a thumb-width above the wrist crease, on the thumb side of your forearm, just next to the radial artery. There is also a simpler way to find it: Turn your palm upward and wrap the fingers of your opposite hand under your wrist like you’re checking your pulse. Your middle finger will naturally land near Jing Qu. Now gently press around the area. If you feel a sore, tender, or slightly achy spot, you’ve likely found the acupoint.
Ways to Stimulate Jing Qu for Maximum Effect
Try one or more of these self-care techniques:
- Finger pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then release for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each wrist.
Circular massage: Massage in small circles with your index finger or thumb for one to three minutes on each wrist.
Herbal patch: Apply an herbal patch overnight for continuous stimulation.
Professional care: Acupuncture, gua sha (scraping), or moxibustion (a gentle heat therapy using dried mugwort) by a trained professional can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precautions
If you have a wrist injury, open wounds, or inflammation in the area, avoid stimulating Jing Qu. If using herbal patches, opt for products without harsh artificial chemicals, especially if your skin tends to react easily.
Give Your Wrist a Moment of Care
When your wrists start to protest after hours of typing or scrolling, it’s tempting just to give them a quick rub and get back to work. However, now you have a better option: a centuries-old, scientifically-backed acupoint that targets the tissues and nerves, and can even nurture your lungs as a nice bonus. Jing Qu is simple to locate, quick to try out, and genuinely effective—making it the perfect mini-break—whether you’re tackling work or enjoying your favorite hobby.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung helped ensure the accuracy and clarity of this article.
