LI4 (Hé Gǔ, “Hé Gǔ”) is the Yuan-Source Point point of the Large Intestine Meridian. It is located on the dorsum of the hand, in the depression located in the web between the thumb and index finger, approximately at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone on its radial side. It expels wind and releases the exterior, alleviates pain, clears heat, opens the orifices, regulates the face and head, and restores the Yang.
On the dorsum of the hand, in the depression located in the web between the thumb and index finger, approximately at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone on its radial side.
Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Oblique insertion directed proximally toward the space between the second and third metacarpal bones, 1.0 to 1.5 cun, can be used for pain in the arm.
Expels wind and releases the exterior, alleviates pain, clears heat, opens the orifices, regulates the face and head, and restores the Yang..
Headache, lower toothache, fever with no sweat, nosebleed, blurred vision, white film over the eye (bai yi), deafness, sore throat, facial swelling, inability to close the lips, muteness, lockjaw, hemiplegia, wind rash, scabies, generalized body pain, pain that pulls into the lower back, infantile single-sided tonsillitis, cold and heat, mania, epilepsy, fright, convulsions, body heat, arm and wrist paralysis, inability to use the lips and mouth, madness with seeing ghosts, aversion to cold, body swelling, body pain, body heaviness, pain in the joints..
As the Yuan-Source point of the Large Intestine channel, which is rich in both Qi and Blood, Hegu is one of the most important and versatile points in the body. It is a primary point for expelling exterior wind, whether wind-cold or wind-heat, making it essential for the common cold, especially with headache and body aches. Its powerful ability to stop pain and clear obstructions from the channel makes it the foremost distal point for any disorder of the face, mouth, eyes, nose, and head, particularly toothache and sinus issues. Its strong action on moving Qi makes it effective for pain anywhere in the body and for promoting labor, but also necessitates its cautious use during pregnancy.
LI4 is one of 20 points on the Large Intestine Meridian. Nearby points:
LI4 (Hé Gǔ) is located on the dorsum of the hand, in the depression located in the web between the thumb and index finger, approximately at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone on its radial side.
LI4 expels wind and releases the exterior, alleviates pain, clears heat, opens the orifices, regulates the face and head, and restores the Yang. Common clinical indications include headache, lower toothache, fever with no sweat, nosebleed, blurred vision, white film over the eye (bai yi), deafness, sore throat, facial swelling, inability to close the lips, muteness, lockjaw, hemiplegia, wind rash, scabies, generalized body pain, pain that pulls into the lower back, infantile single-sided tonsillitis, cold and heat, mania, epilepsy, fright, convulsions, body heat, arm and wrist paralysis, inability to use the lips and mouth, madness with seeing ghosts, aversion to cold, body swelling, body pain, body heaviness, pain in the joints.
Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1.0 cun. Oblique insertion directed proximally toward the space between the second and third metacarpal bones, 1.0 to 1.5 cun, can be used for pain in the arm. Caution: Traditionally avoided or used with caution in PREGNANCY (strong qi/blood-moving or labour-promoting action). Needling is contraindicated in pregnant women. The Zhen Jiu Ju Ying and Zi Sheng Jing state that using a supplementing technique can cause abortion, while a draining technique can be used to induce labor.
LI4 is a point on the Large Intestine Meridian (Shǒu Yángmíng Dàcháng Jīng).