Acupuncture
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EX-LE-2
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Knee
Location
In the center of the upper border of the patella.
Main Actions
- Promote Qi and Blood circulation in the knee
Indications
Commentary
Heding EX-LE-2 is an important supporting points in treating knee disorders by promoting local Qi and Blood circulation.
For this purpose, it is often used together with Xiyan EX-LE-5, Xuehai SP-10, Liangqiu ST-34, Yanglingquan GB-34 and Yinlingquan SP-9.
Classical Sources
《针灸集成》(Zhēnjiǔ Jíchéng - Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First recorded this point by its current name "Heding" (鹤顶).
《外科大成》(Wàikē Dàchéng - Great Compendium of External Medicine): "膝顶穴，治鹤膝风、脚气，此秘法也，诸书不载" - "The Xiding (Knee Top) point treats Crane's Knee Wind and beriberi; this is a secret method not recorded in other books." It further describes: "鹤膝风，两膝内外皆肿，寒热间作，痛如虎咬，股渐细而膝愈大是也" - describing Crane's Knee Wind as swelling on both sides of the knees, alternating chills and fever, pain like a tiger bite, with thighs becoming thinner while knees enlarge.
《东医宝鉴》(Dōngyī Bǎojiàn - Precious Mirror of Eastern Medicine): "鹤顶二穴，在膝盖骨尖上，主两足瘫痪无力，灸七壮" - "The two Heding points are above the kneecap tip; they treat paralysis and weakness of both feet; apply 7 moxa cones."
《窦太师针经》(Dòu Tàishī Zhēnjīng): An early source recording this point.
How to Locate
It is better to flex slightly the knee for better location. Heding EX-LE-2 is located at midpoint of the upper border of the patella.
Caution
Needle with knee slightly flexed for optimal point location. Avoid needling into the knee joint space - maintain proper depth. In cases of significant knee effusion or acute joint infection, needling should be avoided. The superficial layer contains the anterior femoral cutaneous nerve branches and tributaries of the great saphenous vein; deeper layers contain the articular branches of the femoral nerve and the knee joint arterial network.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–0.8 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension around the knee. Deqi may radiate into the knee joint or along the thigh. Some patients experience a sensation of warmth spreading around the patella.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes; 3–7 moxa cones for direct moxibustion
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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