LI5 Yang Stream

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

LI5 (Yáng Xī, “Yang Stream”) is the Jing-River point of the Large Intestine Meridian. It is located on the radial side of the wrist, in the depression between the tendons of extensor pollicis longus and brevis, when the thumb is abducted. It clears heat, alleviates pain, benefits wrist joint.

Location

On the radial side of the wrist, in the depression between the tendons of extensor pollicis longus and brevis, when the thumb is abducted.

Needling

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-0.8 cun. Moxibustion is applicable.

TCM functions

Clears heat, alleviates pain, benefits wrist joint.

Indications

Headache, redness and swelling of the eye, toothache, pain of the wrist.

Jing-River

Clinical notes

As a Jing-River point, LI-5 is primarily used for clearing heat from the Large Intestine meridian, particularly in the wrist and hand. It is highly effective for local pain, swelling, and inflammation of the wrist joint, such as tenosynovitis or sprains. It also addresses headaches, toothaches, and eye pain when these conditions are due to heat along the meridian. For wrist pain, it is often combined with SJ-4 (Yáng Chí).

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 radial side of the wrist, in the depression between the tendons of extensor pollicis longus and brevis, when the thumb is abducted.

What is LI5 used for?

LI5 clears heat, alleviates pain, benefits wrist joint. Common clinical indications include headache, redness and swelling of the eye, toothache, pain of the wrist.

How is LI5 needled?

Perpendicular insertion 0.5-0.8 cun. Moxibustion is applicable.

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.