Acupuncture
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EX-UE-5
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.1–0.2 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Fingers
Location
On the thumb dorsum, in the center of the transverse creases of the interphalangeal joint.
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Clears Heat
Indications
Commentary
Dagukong EX-UE-5 is not a major point. Its main point is to harmonizes the Middle Burner as well as clear Heat.
Classical Sources
《扁鹊神应针灸玉龙经》(Bianque Shenying Zhenjiu Yulong Jing): First named this point 'Dagukong' (Greater Bone Hollow).
《针灸大成》(Zhenjiu Dacheng): 'Moxibustion of 7 cones treats chronic eye pain and internal eye membrane with opacity.'
《备急灸法》(Beiji Jiufa): 'For nosebleeds that won't stop, flex the thumb, apply moxa at the bone tip for 3 cones, each the size of a millet grain. Same method for men and women. Right nosebleed, moxibust the left; left nosebleed, moxibust the right.'
《审视瑶函》(Shenshi Yaohan): Mentions combining this point with Cuanzhu and Hegu for treating cold wind-induced tearing.
How to Locate
Slightly bend the interphalangeal joint of the thumb. The point is located at the vertex of the flexed joint.
Caution
Classical texts traditionally prohibited needling this point due to its location over the interphalangeal joint with thin tissue and underlying bone. Modern practice allows very shallow needling (0.1 cun) with fine needles, inserted along the bone periosteum rather than perpendicular. Moxibustion is the traditionally preferred method of stimulation. The point is located over sensitive periosteum, so needling can be more painful than other points.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.1–0.2 cun
Needling Directions
Prick to bleed or moxibustion. No needling is allowed.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension at the interphalangeal joint. Due to the thin tissue at this location, the deqi sensation is typically mild. Traditional texts note this point was historically contraindicated for needling but modern fine needle techniques allow superficial insertion along the bone periosteum.
Moxibustion
Particularly Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes with moxa stick, or 3–5 moxa cones
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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