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Acupuncture Point: Large Intestine 4

Alternative Medicine and Natural Health in NYC

Large Intestine 4, otherwise known as HeGu or Joining Valley, is perhaps the most often used acupuncture point. It is located on the hand, between the thumb and index finger, at the midpoint of the second metacarpal (the bone in the hand that connects to the index finger).

This point is known as the command point of the face and is generally incorporated into the acupuncture treatment of any disorder affecting the face, mouth, eyes, nose or ears. This use extends to headaches and Large Intestine 4 is one of our best headache points, though depending on the type of headache, other points maybe more appropriate and effective.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, infectious diseases such as colds and flus are considered exterior invasions of Wind and treatment is to “expel Wind” and to “release the exterior”. Large Intestine 4 is one of the best points to expel Wind and release the exterior and in acute conditions it is often combined with Large Intestine 11 for exactly this purpose.

Large Intestine 4 is also well-known for its ability to relieve pain. In acupuncture theory pain is most often considered a stagnation of Qi, or vital energy, and this point has a singular ability to move Qi through the energetic channels. It is widely used in acupuncture anesthesia. Pressing on this point with the thumb can often reduce pain when you are suffering from a headache or other painful condition.

This point is known to induce labor, so it is forbidden in pregnancy.