Knowledge baseAcupuncture points
LI-4
He Gu合谷
Joining Valley
- Channel
- Large Intestine
- Classification
- Yuan-Source, Command
Location
On the back of the hand between the first and second metacarpal bones, level with the midpoint of the second metacarpal on its radial side.
Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.5–1 cun.
Actions
- Releases the exterior and reduces fever
- Treats the face, head and sense organs
- Moves qi and relieves pain
- Promotes labour
Indications
Headache, toothache, facial pain and paralysis, sore throat, nasal congestion, the early stage of a common cold, and pain anywhere along the channel.
Cautions
Contraindicated in pregnancy — it is held to move qi downward strongly enough to bring on labour.