LI5 Yang Stream

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

LI5 (Yáng Xī, “Yang Stream”) is the Jing-River point point of the Large Intestine Meridian. It is located on the dorsal aspect of the wrist, at the wrist crease, in the depression between the tendons of extensor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis when the thumb is extended. This depression is known as the 'anatomical snuffbox'. It clears heat, alleviates pain, benefits the throat and wrist, calms the spirit.

Location

On the dorsal aspect of the wrist, at the wrist crease, in the depression between the tendons of extensor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis when the thumb is extended. This depression is known as the 'anatomical snuffbox'.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-0.8 cun.

TCM functions

Clears heat, alleviates pain, benefits the throat and wrist, calms the spirit..

Indications

Toothache, ear pain, deafness, tinnitus, heat in the body, vexation of the heart, heart pain, malaria with severe cold, cough with phlegm, madness, seeing ghosts, raving, epilepsy, convulsions, fright, red and painful eyes, headache, sore throat..

Jing-River pointFire point

Clinical notes

As the Fire and Jing-River point of the Large Intestine channel, Yangxi is a primary distal point for clearing Yangming heat from the head and sense organs. It is classically indicated for a wide range of issues like toothache, sore throat, and tinnitus, especially when heat is a factor. Its ability to treat 'madness' and 'raving' also points to its function of clearing heat that is disturbing the spirit.

On the Large Intestine channel

LI5 is one of 20 points on the Large Intestine Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is LI5 located?

LI5 (Yáng Xī) is located on the dorsal aspect of the wrist, at the wrist crease, in the depression between the tendons of extensor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis when the thumb is extended. This depression is known as the 'anatomical snuffbox'.

What is LI5 used for?

LI5 clears heat, alleviates pain, benefits the throat and wrist, calms the spirit. Common clinical indications include toothache, ear pain, deafness, tinnitus, heat in the body, vexation of the heart, heart pain, malaria with severe cold, cough with phlegm, madness, seeing ghosts, raving, epilepsy, convulsions, fright, red and painful eyes, headache, sore throat.

How is LI5 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-0.8 cun.

Which meridian is LI5 on?

LI5 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.