Hegu (LI 4)

Location

Hegu is located in the first web space of the hand, at the top of the adductor pollicis muscle, which bulges when the muscle is contracted.

Therapeutic functions and clinical indications

• Very important point that expels Wind, releases the exterior, clears Heat and activates the circulation of Qi strongly.

External Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat attacks, headaches, colds, body aches, fever, toothache (abscess, gingivitis); pain means stagnation, so it acts quickly on the meridian; facial paralysis (1^st point to think of); it strongly activates Qi, so it can be used in any case of Qi stagnation (a blow to the leg, for example, or after an emotional shock that creates significant stagnation); dysmenorrhea.

Be careful when stimulating it in weak people, who may not tolerate it.
Not in pregnant women either.

• To stimulate or clear the Four Gates ('Si Guan').

Using the points Hegu and Taichong – very strong stimulation of Qi and Blood