Kokin Healing Blog

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SI3: A Small Pause for Busy Hands

Nov 10, 2026

Illustration of a loose fist with SI3 marked on the little-finger edge, just behind the base knuckle.
SI3 (Houxi) sits on the little-finger edge of the hand, just behind the base knuckle. Illustration.

Our hands work hard on travel days. SI3, also called Houxi or Back Stream, is a traditional acupuncture point that you can learn to locate during a short self-care pause.

Where to find SI3

Make a loose fist without squeezing. On the outer, little-finger edge of your hand, find the small hollow just behind the little finger’s base knuckle, toward the wrist. It is at the end of the palm crease, where the palm skin meets the skin on the back of the hand. The point is on both hands.

Traditional uses

In traditional Chinese medicine, SI3 is selected for a stiff or painful neck, upper-back discomfort and headaches felt at the back of the head. It may also be included in an acupuncture plan for low back pain. Point selection depends on your symptoms and overall treatment plan. Home acupressure is different from professional acupuncture.

Try gentle acupressure

Rest your forearm comfortably. Locate the point with your hand loosely closed, then let your fingers soften. Use the thumb of your other hand to apply gentle, comfortable pressure or small circles for 30 to 60 seconds while breathing normally. Release, then repeat on the other hand if comfortable. Do not press hard or force a neck stretch.

Before you try it

Pressure should not hurt. Stop if you feel pain, tingling or numbness. Avoid broken, bruised, irritated, swollen or injured skin. Ask Marin before trying acupressure if you are pregnant, take blood thinners, have a bleeding disorder, reduced sensation or a hand injury. Persistent or worsening pain needs medical assessment.

If you are unsure of the location or whether this practice fits your needs, ask Marin to demonstrate it at your next visit.

Sources

Point location: WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region, SI3.

https://iris.who.int/handle/10665/353407

Traditional point selection: Hong Kong taskforce guideline for low back pain; acupuncture trial protocol for headache point selection.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10164622/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9295267/

General self-acupressure and precautions: Kaiser Permanente and VA Whole Health.

https://mydoctor.kaiserpermanente.org/mas/article/acupressure-for-headaches-2162500

https://news.va.gov/144990/live-whole-health-304-relief-at-your-fingertips/

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Meet Marin L. Kokin, L.Ac.

Marin — acupuncturist, nutritionist, and owner of the Kokin Healing Center — is beloved by her patients. Read about patients that have found success at the Kokin Healing Center in Calabasas.