TE-5 - Outer Pass
外关 - wài guān
Point Region: Forearm
TE-5 Waiguan, meaning 'Outer Pass,' stands as the sentinel guarding our energetic boundaries with the external world. Located on the back of the forearm, this point governs our capacity to maintain healthy relationships with our environment while protecting our essential energy from depletion or contamination.
As the key point for opening the 'Governing Vessel' and strengthening our defensive Qi, Waiguan specializes in building resilience against external stressors—whether they're physical pathogens, emotional vampires, or environmental toxins. This point teaches us that true strength comes from knowing how to be appropriately permeable rather than completely closed or defensively rigid.
In the modern context of constant stimulation and energy demands, TE-5 offers crucial support for those who feel overwhelmed by external pressures or find themselves easily drained by their environment. By strengthening our outer pass, we can engage fully with life while maintaining the energetic integrity needed for long-term health and vitality.
Location & How to Find
Anatomical Location: On the line connecting TE-4 and the olecranon, 2 cun above the wrist crease
How to Locate:
- Turn your arm palm down and bend your wrist back slightly
- Find the groove between the tendons going to your ring finger and pinky at the wrist crease
- Measure 2 finger-widths up your forearm from this wrist groove
- This location between the two main bones of your forearm is TE-5
Primary Functions
Immune & Energy System
- Strengthens defensive qi (wei qi)
- Prevents external pathogen invasion
- Boosts immune system resistance
- Releases exterior wind-heat conditions
Nervous System
- Treats headaches and migraines
- Relieves neck and shoulder tension
- Calms nervous system hyperactivity
- Improves mental alertness
Temperature Regulation
- Releases exterior heat and fever
- Treats common cold and flu
- Regulates body temperature
- Reduces chills and alternating fever
Musculoskeletal System
- Relieves arm and shoulder pain
- Treats tennis elbow and repetitive strain
- Reduces forearm tension
- Improves upper limb mobility
Auditory System
- Treats ear infections and inflammation
- Reduces tinnitus and hearing loss
- Improves ear circulation
- Balances inner ear pressure
Endocrine & Metabolic System
- Regulates triple energizer circulation
- Balances energy transformation
- Supports organ system coordination
- Harmonizes upper and lower body energy
Emotional & Mental
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Promotes emotional release
- Calms excessive mental activity
- Enhances adaptability to change
Clinical Applications
Primary Indications
- Colds
- Deafness
- Elbow pain
- Headaches
- Chest discomfort
- Flu symptoms
- Hearing problems
- Arm pain
- Migraine
- Upper respiratory infections
Related Health Concerns
Common Conditions:
Related Acupoints
Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.
TE-5 Protocols
N/A
Important Precautions
- Recent forearm surgery
- Severe arm fracture
- Acute tendon injury