Acupuncture
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
EX-UE-12
Needle Depth
1.0-1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Forearm
Location
On the palmar aspect of the forearm, midway between the cubital crease and the wrist joint space.
Main Actions
- Open the local Channel and Luo Vessel
Indications
Upper limb paralysis
Upper limb spasm and contracture
Forearm pain
Arm numbness and tingling
Hysteria
Epilepsy with crying
Calf muscle spasm
Chest and hypochondriac pain
Rheumatic heart disease
Restless leg syndrome
Shoulder periarthritis
Elbow and wrist stiffness
Stroke recovery of upper limb function
Lactation insufficiency
Commentary
Bizhong EX-UE is not a major Extra point. Its name function is to open the local Channel and Luo Vessel.
Classical Sources
The point was first documented in the Tang Dynasty text Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (備急千金要方, Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) by Sun Simiao, where it was named 'Shounizhu' (手逆注, Hand Reverse Flow). The modern name 'Bizhong' (臂中, Middle of Arm) was established in the contemporary text Xin Yiliao Fa Shouce (新医疗法手册, New Medical Methods Handbook).
The classical verse states: "臂中肘腕伸有数，两筋之间凹陷处" (Bizhong lies at the measured midpoint between elbow and wrist, in the depression between two tendons).
How to Locate
The patient's forearm should be in a relaxed supinated position. The wrist joint space is a more reliable reference point than wrist crease to identify Bizhong EX-UE. Draw an imaginary line between the midpoint of the wrist joint space and cubital crease. Identify Bizhong EX-UE in the middle of these two point, between the ulna and radius.
Caution
The point lies near the median nerve and the anterior interosseous nerve, as well as the median artery and vein. While not classified as dangerous, practitioners should needle carefully to avoid nerve irritation. Avoid excessive manipulation if the patient reports sharp or electrical sensations radiating down the arm, as this may indicate nerve contact.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0-1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–1.5 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distended, numb sensation (deqi) that may extend throughout the forearm or radiate toward the elbow. A local aching or heavy sensation is typically felt at the point.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10-20 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians