Large Intestine Meridian
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LI-2
Water-Shui
Spring-Ying Point
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.2-0.3 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Fingers
Location
On the radial side of the index finger, distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint, at the junction of the white and red skin.
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Expels Wind-Heat
- Removes Channel Stagnation
Indications
Commentary
Erjian LI-2 clears Interior Heat from the Large Intestine. The typical symptoms are constipation, dry stools, fever and abdominal pain.
It also expels Exterior Wind-Heat in acute cases, so that it can treat manifestations such as aversion to cold such as cold shivering or fever.
Finally it eases pain and stiffness of the shoulder and back by removing the obstruction of the Channel.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (靈樞·本輸): "Flows at the front of the base joint to Erjian." (溜于本節之前二間)
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (針灸大成): "Main indications: throat obstruction (喉痹), jaw swelling, shoulder-back pain, shivering with cold, nasal congestion with nosebleed, frequent fright, toothache, yellow eyes, dry mouth, deviated mouth, difficulty swallowing food, Cold Damage with water accumulation."
Tong Ren (銅人): "Needle 3 fen, retain for 6 breaths, moxa 3 cones."
How to Locate
This point will be easier to find if the index finger is relaxed in a slightly flexed position. Palpate the border between the red and white skin along the shaft of the second proximal phalangeal bone towards the metacarpophalangeal joint until the angle between the base and the shaft of the bone can be clearly felt. Erjian LI-2 is located at the junction of the shaft and the base and slightly below the most external curvature of the bone.
Caution
This is a relatively safe point with minimal risk. When needling, slightly flex the index finger to locate the depression more easily. Direct the needle along the bone margin to avoid hitting the periosteum and to achieve better needle sensation. Due to the shallow depth and location on the finger, deep needling should be avoided.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.2-0.3 cun
Needling Directions
0.2–0.5 cun obliquely in a proximal direction or distal in a slightly palmar direction.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the point. The sensation may radiate along the index finger. Needling is relatively painless when the finger is slightly flexed, as the needle can be directed along the bone margin.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Recommended
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Water-Shui
Transporting Type
Spring-Ying Point
Mother-Child Role
Child (Reducing)
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