Large Intestine 11 (LI 11) Qu Chi — Pool at the Bend

This is the He-Sea and Earth point of the Large Intestine channel. It is one of the most important points for clearing heat, cooling the blood, resolving dampness and benefiting the skin and joints.

Large Intestine 11 (LI 11) Qu Chi 曲池 — Pool at the Bend

Location

At the elbow, midway between LU-5 and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, at the lateral end of the cubital crease when the elbow is flexed.

Anatomy

On the radial side of the elbow, between brachioradialis and the radial extensors; the radial recurrent artery; the posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve and the radial nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Clears heat and cools the blood
  • Resolves dampness and benefits the skin
  • Regulates qi and blood and benefits the sinews and joints
  • Relieves the exterior in febrile disease

Indications

Febrile disease, skin disorders (urticaria, eczema, itching), hypertension, sore throat, painful obstruction and motor impairment of the elbow and arm, abdominal pain and dysentery, and mental restlessness.

Needling

1.0-1.5 cun, perpendicular insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With LI-4 and DU-14 for febrile disease; with SP-10 for skin disorders; with LI-15 for shoulder and arm disorders.

Classical Text References

The He-Sea (Earth) point of the Large Intestine, classically a chief point for heat, skin disorders and the arm.

Cautions & Contraindications

None specific.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.