LI-04, He Gu, 合 谷, Joining Valley

Disclaimer    For educational purposes only.  Do not use as medical advice

Categories
Yuan Source Point • Command Point of Face and mouth • Heavenly Star Point • Entry Point
Location
Form a fist with thumb over distal end of the index finger • Between the first and second metacarpal bones • Level with the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone, but located 2/5 of the way to the first metacarpal bone • Make a fist, the highest point formed by the crease between the first and second metacarpal bone
Needling
Type: Perpendicular, Oblique    Depth:  0.5 to 1 cun, 1 to 1.5 cun
Description: Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun • Oblique insertion 1 to 1.5 cun directed proximally 
Caution: Contraindicated in pregnancy
Notes
Energetics 1
YUAN SOURCE POINT: Dispel pathogenic factors • Treat the whole course of the LI channel (contraction, stiffness, and pain along the entire length of the LI channel from elbow, arm, shoulder, neck to back). • Move Qi (4 gates =LI4, LIV3 for Qi stagnation): PMS, depression with sighing a lot, hypochondriac pain • Move Blood: induce labor. Pain after childbirth (LI-4, SP6)
Energetics 2
COMMAND POINT: Treat Face and Mouth issues (bells palsy, tooth problems, dental work pain, lower gum problems, acne)
Energetics 3
BALANCE YANG: Clear Excess heat: when pathogenic factors are still on the exterior in the form of wind-cold or wind-heat, moderate fever with chills. • Hypertension from heat • Heat related skin problems
Energetics 4
ENTRY POINT: Dispel exterior wind pathogen • Expels internal wind (tremors) • Sweating (no sweating - tonify LI4, reduce KD7, copious sweating - reduce LI4, tonify KD7
Energetics 5
LI ORGAN ISSUES: Constipation, diarrhea - use with points on the abdomen or legs (ST25, ST37, SP15)
Energetics 6
YUAN/LUO COMBINATION: LI4 + LU7: Exterior pathogenic wind invades the exterior of the body • LI4 can expel the pathogen while LU7 assists in expelling the pathogen and restoring the descending and disseminating functions of the lung.

[3], [5], [8]

Information in this post came from many sources, including class notes, practitioners, websites, webinars, books, magazines, and editor's personal experience.  While the original source often came from historical Chinese texts,  variations may result from the numerous English translations.   Always consult a doctor prior to using these drugs.  The information here is strictly for educational purposes. 

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