Acupuncture
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EX-LE-3
Needle Depth
1.0–2.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Thigh — Medial
Location
It is in a small depression on the vastus medialis muscle, 3 cun superior to the upper medial border of the patella. It is also 1 cun superior to Xuehai SP-10.
Main Actions
- Cools Blood Heat
- Expels Wind-Damp
Indications
Wind rash
Itchy skin
Commentary
Like its neighboring point Xuehai SP-10, Baichongwo EX-LE-3 is able to treat skin diseases. It has a special effect in removing skin itchiness and rush by cooling the Blood.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Dacheng (《针灸大成》, Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Ming Dynasty): First systematic recording of this point, describing its location "3 cun above the medial aspect of the knee" and its function for treating parasitic conditions and skin disorders.
Zhenjiu Jicheng (《针灸集成》, Anthology of Acupuncture): Records the alternative name "Xuexi" (血郄, Blood Xi-Cleft) and notes: "Xuexi treats kidney wind sores..." indicating the point's function for dispelling wind, activating blood, and stopping itching.
How to Locate
The patient should be in a supine or preferably in a seated position, with their knee flexed. Locate the upper medial border of the patella and, from there, measure 3 cun or 1 handsbreadth towards proximal. There, locate Baichongwo EX-LE-3 in a small depression on the vastus medialis muscle.
Caution
Located in an area with femoral artery branches and femoral nerve distribution in deeper layers. Avoid needling too deeply or aggressively in patients on anticoagulants. When using bloodletting or cupping techniques, ensure proper sterilization. Avoid treatment on broken or ulcerated skin. This point lies along the Spleen channel pathway, just 1 cun above Xuehai SP-10.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0–2.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–2 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and soreness spreading through the medial thigh, sometimes radiating toward the knee. A sensation of heaviness or numbness is common in the vastus medialis muscle. For skin conditions, stronger stimulation may produce a spreading or crawling sensation that corresponds to its anti-pruritic effect.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Recommended
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