Acupuncture
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EX-LE-10
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Foot — Dorsum, Toes
Location
This is a group of 8 points, all located on the foot dorsum, slightly proximal to the margins of the interdigital webs. Xingjian LIV-2, Neiting ST-44 and Xiabai GB-43 are part of the Bafeng EX-LE-10 points. Xingjian LIV-2 is between the 1st and 2nd toes, on the dorsum of the foot, 0.5 cun proximal to the margin of the web. Neiting ST-44 is between the 2nd and 3rd toes, while Xiaxi GB-43 is between the 4th and 5th toes.
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and reduce swelling
Indications
Malaria
Headaches
Beri beri
Foot dorsum pain
Foot dorsum redness
Foot dorsum swelling
Irregular menstruation
Commentary
Bafeng EX-LE-10 is a group of 8 points. It has another name 'Bachong' (Eight Rushing) which implies the dynamic Qi sensation induced by needling these distal points of the foot.
They are mainly used to treat toe related disorders by clearing Heat and reducing swelling, just like Baxie EX-UE-9 are mainly for finger disorders.
Some classic books also claim that the points are useful for irregular menstruation and malaria.
Classical Sources
Huang Di Nei Jing Su Wen (Yellow Emperor's Classic - Simple Questions), "Ci Nüe" (Treating Malaria): "When treating malaria... if the leg and shin are first sore and painful, first prick between the ten toes of the Foot Yangming to draw blood."
Qi Xiao Liang Fang (Wonderful Effective Formulas): "Bafeng, eight points, located between the five toes on each foot, eight points on both feet combined. Hence the name Eight Winds."
Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): "For initial beriberi with weak legs, quickly apply moxibustion... on the ten toes, one fen from each toe, eight points on both feet. Cao Shi named them Bachong (Eight Rushing), extremely effective for directing Qi downward."
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Bafeng, treats red swelling of the dorsum of the foot. Needle 1 fen, moxa 5 cones."
Zhen Jiu Ji Cheng (Compilation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): "Yindu Baxue (Eight Yin Solitary Points), indicated for women's irregular menstruation. Must wait until the period is stable before treatment."
How to Locate
This is a group of 8 points, all located on the foot dorsum, slightly proximal to the margins of the interdigital webs, on the border of the red and white skin. The Extra points Baxie EX-UE-9 are located in a comparable position, but on the hand dorsum.
Caution
These points are located in the sensitive interdigital web spaces with superficial nerves and blood vessels. Needle obliquely in a proximal direction (toward the ankle) rather than straight down to avoid discomfort. The tissue between toes is thin, so limit depth to avoid piercing through the web. When bloodletting for snake bites or acute heat conditions, use a three-edged needle with proper sterilization. Note that three of the eight points overlap with regular channel points: Xingjian LR-2 (between 1st and 2nd toes), Neiting ST-44 (between 2nd and 3rd toes), and Xiaxi GB-43 (between 4th and 5th toes).
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.3–1 cun obliquely in a proximal direction or prick to bleed.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension at the web space, which may radiate to the dorsum of the foot or extend toward the tips of the toes. The sensation of Qi moving through the interdigital spaces is often described as dynamic or rushing.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes with moxa stick, or 1–5 cones direct moxa
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Particularly Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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