LI11 Quchi

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

LI11 (Quchi, “Quchi”) is the He-Sea Point (Earth) point of the Large Intestine Meridian. It is located on the lateral aspect of the elbow, in the depression at the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease when the elbow is flexed. It is located between the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and the brachioradialis muscle. It clears heat, resolves dampness, expels wind, cools the blood, alleviates itching, regulates Qi and Blood, and opens the channel and collaterals.

Location

On the lateral aspect of the elbow, in the depression at the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease when the elbow is flexed. It is located between the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and the brachioradialis muscle.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun.

TCM functions

Clears heat, resolves dampness, expels wind, cools the blood, alleviates itching, regulates Qi and Blood, and opens the channel and collaterals..

Indications

Wind rash (urticaria), generalized itching as if bitten by insects, skin sores from scratching, leprosy, malignant wind disease, scrofula, arm pain with inability to flex and extend, wind-damp impediment (Bi), pruritic sores, convulsions (chizong), epilepsy, madness with manic walking, diminished vision due to wind rash, arm and elbow pain, red and swollen arm, hemiplegia, aversion to wind, excessive tearing, forgetfulness, sore throat with inability to speak, chest fullness, weak and flaccid sinews, inability to grasp objects, difficulty drawing a bow, difficulty with flexion and extension, lingering heat from febrile disease, dry skin, scabies, amenorrhea, fever, thirst, sweating upon drinking, dry skin when not drinking, toothache, red and painful eyes, neck swelling, startling with fright, diminished vision, stiff wrist, body heat, madness with fright, sticking out the tongue, ear pain, feverish disease with vexation and stuffiness, arm and body heat with convulsions, lips drawn together, nosebleed, heat in the chest and back, cough with difficult breathing, heat in the palms, frequent yawning and stretching, sweating, forgetfulness, cold in the four limbs, inappropriate laughter, white urine, wind-damp impediment around the ankle, arm pain, shoulder heaviness, axillary tightness, numbness of the elbow and arm, wind-labor with desire to sleep..

He-Sea Point (Earth)Ghost Point

Clinical notes

Quchi is a principal point for clearing heat, expelling wind, and resolving dampness, making it exceptionally effective for a wide range of skin diseases, especially those characterized by heat, redness, and itching like urticaria, eczema, and sores. Its strong action on the channel makes it a key local and distal point for pain, paralysis, and motor impairment of the upper limb, including hemiplegia and Bi-syndrome. As a He-Sea point of a Yangming channel, which is abundant in Qi and Blood, it also treats febrile diseases, clears lingering heat, and addresses certain psycho-emotional disorders like mania and epilepsy.

On the Large Intestine channel

LI11 is one of 20 points on the Large Intestine Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is LI11 located?

LI11 (Quchi) is located on the lateral aspect of the elbow, in the depression at the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease when the elbow is flexed. It is located between the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and the brachioradialis muscle.

What is LI11 used for?

LI11 clears heat, resolves dampness, expels wind, cools the blood, alleviates itching, regulates Qi and Blood, and opens the channel and collaterals. Common clinical indications include wind rash (urticaria), generalized itching as if bitten by insects, skin sores from scratching, leprosy, malignant wind disease, scrofula, arm pain with inability to flex and extend, wind-damp impediment (Bi), pruritic sores, convulsions (chizong), epilepsy, madness with manic walking, diminished vision due to wind rash, arm and elbow pain, red and swollen arm, hemiplegia, aversion to wind, excessive tearing, forgetfulness, sore throat with inability to speak, chest fullness, weak and flaccid sinews, inability to grasp objects, difficulty drawing a bow, difficulty with flexion and extension, lingering heat from febrile disease, dry skin, scabies, amenorrhea, fever, thirst, sweating upon drinking, dry skin when not drinking, toothache, red and painful eyes, neck swelling, startling with fright, diminished vision, stiff wrist, body heat, madness with fright, sticking out the tongue, ear pain, feverish disease with vexation and stuffiness, arm and body heat with convulsions, lips drawn together, nosebleed, heat in the chest and back, cough with difficult breathing, heat in the palms, frequent yawning and stretching, sweating, forgetfulness, cold in the four limbs, inappropriate laughter, white urine, wind-damp impediment around the ankle, arm pain, shoulder heaviness, axillary tightness, numbness of the elbow and arm, wind-labor with desire to sleep.

How is LI11 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 1.0 to 1.5 cun.

Which meridian is LI11 on?

LI11 is a point on the Large Intestine Meridian (Shǒu Yángmíng Dàcháng Jīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.