LI-4 Hegu

On the dorsum of the hand, between the first and second metacarpal bones, at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal bone; or at the highest point of the muscle when the thumb and index finger are adducted.

First dorsal interosseous muscle; the dorsal carpal branch of the radial artery and the dorsal venous network; the superficial branch of the radial nerve.

• Releases the Exterior and expels Wind
• Regulates the defensive qi and adjusts sweating
• Principal point for the face, nose, mouth and sense organs
• Stops pain and removes obstruction from the channel
• Induces labour and promotes downward movement

Headache, facial pain, toothache, sinusitis, rhinitis, sore throat, facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), common cold and fever, generalised pain, and delayed or obstructed labour.

0.5-1.0 cun, perpendicular insertion.

Suitable for moxibustion; indirect moxa can reinforce defensive qi and warm cold patterns. Avoid in pregnancy.

With LU-7 for headache and Exterior conditions; with LV-3 as the ‘Four Gates’ to move qi and blood and calm the mind; with ST-36 to support immunity.

• Four Command Points: ‘For the face and mouth, Hegu governs’ (面口合谷收).
• Ma Dan-yang’s Twelve Heavenly Star Points includes Hegu.

Contraindicated in pregnancy, as it strongly stimulates uterine contraction. Use cautiously in weak or deficient patients given its strong dispersing action.

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