Acupuncture
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EX-UE-9
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Hand — Dorsum
Location
This is a group of 8 points in both hand, 4 points per each hand. Slightly proximal to the margins of the webs between the fingers, on the border of the red and white skin.
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and reduces swelling
- Relaxes the sinews
Indications
Fever
Red hand
Red eyes
Hand pain
Headaches
Toothache
Stiff hand
Hand spasm
Finger pain
Finger spasm
Swollen hand
Swollen eyes
Hand numbness
Swollen throat
Fingers swelling
Fingers stiffness
Numbness in the fingers
Commentary
These points are widely used for treating Painful Obstruction Syndrome of the hand and fingers due to Wind-Damp invasion. They relax the sinews and reduce numbness, stiffness, redness, swelling, spasm and pain on the fingers and surrounding areas.
For disorders of the ring, middle and index fingers, the points either side of the finger are generally needled.
For disorders of the little finger, the point between the little and ring fingers is needled in combination with points such as Qiangu SI-2 and Houxi SI-3.
For disorders of the thumb, the point between the thumb and index finger is needled in combination with points such as Lieque LU-7 and Yuji LU-10.
Classical Sources
《素问·刺疟论》 (Sù Wèn - Cì Nüè Lùn): "For all malarial diseases when the pulse cannot be detected, prick between the ten fingers to draw blood." This early reference describes bleeding the finger web spaces for febrile conditions.
《医经小学》 (Yī Jīng Xiǎo Xué): "Baxie, eight points, located in the web spaces between the ten fingers of the hand." This text from the Ming Dynasty first formally names these points as Baxie.
《景岳全书》 (Jǐng Yuè Quán Shū): "Bāguān dà cì (Great Needling of the Eight Gates) - treats unbearable eye pain that feels like the eye is bursting out; must needle between the ten finger webs to draw blood for cure."
《针灸大成》 (Zhēn Jiǔ Dà Chéng): Records the individual names for each Baxie point: Dàdū (大都) between thumb and index finger; Shàngdū (上都) between index and middle; Zhōngdū (中都) between middle and ring; Xiàdū (下都) between ring and little finger.
How to Locate
The patients are recommended to make a loose fist to reveal the webs between the fingers and locate Baxie EX-UE-9 there.
Caution
When needling, angle the needle proximally (toward the wrist) to follow the interosseous spaces. Avoid perpendicular deep insertion which may pierce the palmar skin through the web space. The web spaces contain digital nerves and vessels - gentle insertion is advisable. Bloodletting technique using a three-edged needle or lancet is commonly employed; ensure proper sterilization. Not suitable for patients with bleeding disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy when using bloodletting technique.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
Up to 1 cun parallel to the metacarpal bones.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distending sensation or soreness spreading through the web space and into adjacent fingers. May feel warmth or slight tingling radiating along the metacarpal spaces. When used for bloodletting, the sensation is primarily the pricking itself with immediate relief of local heat or swelling often reported.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Particularly Recommended
Gua Sha
Recommended
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