Hegu

Synonyms:

合谷
LI4

Hegu(LI4, 合谷) is an acupuncture point in the meridian named Yangming Large Intestine Meridian of Hand. Hegu is the main point for dissipating pathogenic heat and sedating pain.

Meaning

He, junction; gu, valley. This point is between the 1st and the 2nd metacarpal bones, location of the point is depressed as a valley.

Location

On the dorsum of the hand, midway between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

Indication

(1) main point for diseases of the head, face and the five sense organs, especially good for toothache.
(2) relieving the pains of the whole body.
(3) lowering the blood pressure.
(4) relieving fever or cold, good for fever without sweating.
(5) regulating sweating, good for anhidrosis and hidrosis.
(6) good for delayed labour.
(7) good for the ache or numbness of the upper extremities, especially for the disturbances of the hand movement.

Method

(1) Puncture perpendicularly 0.8-1.2 cun in the direction of the palm center.
(2) If the disorder is in the thumb, puncture obliquely in the thumb.
(3) Pregnant women is prohibited.