Large Intestine Meridian
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LI-11
Earth-Tu
Sea-He Point
Ma Dan Yang Heavenly Star
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Needle Depth
1.0–2.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Elbow
Location
When the elbow is flexed, Quchi LI-11 is in the depression at the lateral end of the cubital crease, midway between Chize LU-5 and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Cools the Blood
- Resolves Dampness
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
Indications
Acne
Thirst
Eczema
Itching
Hot skin
Red eyes
Eye pain
Ear pain
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Shingles
Arm pain
Toothache
Urticaria
Psoriasis
High fever
Erysipelas
Hemiplegia
Tearfulness
Arm atrophy
Wind-stroke
Arm numbness
Shoulder pain
Abdominal pain
Elbow stiffness
Dry and scaly skin
Shoulder stiffness
Abdominal distension
Red and swelling papular
Vesicular skin rashes and itching
Commentary
Quchi LI-11 is one of the most widely used point and it is indicated for many conditions.
First of all, it clears Interior Heat. For acute cases, Exterior Heat (eg: Wind-Heat) invades, penetrates the Defensive Qi (1st stage) and accumulates at the Qi Level (2nd stage) according to the Four Level Theory. Thus it develops to Interior Heat. It is also effective in clearing chronic Heat of any Organs, especially in Liver Fire Blazing.
Furthermore, it has a long history of being used for skin problems as it clears Heat in the Blood. This is one of the fundamental causes for many skin diseases such as urticaria, psoriasis and eczema. Another Sea-He point of the Yang Channel, Weizhong BL-40 is also a major point indicated for skin issues.
Skin diseases can also be caused by Dampness, especially Damp-Heat, such as papular or vesicular skin eruptions or acne. Apart from skin, Quchi LI-11 also resolves Dampness in other Organs. For example, it treats diarrhoea or digestive problem due to Dampness in the Spleen and Intestines.
Finally, it treats Painful Obstruction Syndrome, Atrophy Syndrome and Wind-Stroke paralysis by removing obstructions from the Channel. It is most effective in arms, shoulders and elbows and is able to treat pain, stiffness and numbness there.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Divine Pivot), Chapter 1: "[LI-11] is located at the outer aspect of the elbow, in the depression between the bones, found when the arm is bent."
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): "For lingering heat after febrile disease not resolved, fullness in the chest, pain in front of the ear, toothache, red painful eyes, neck swelling, alternating cold and heat, thirst with sweating when drinking but dry hot skin when not drinking, dim vision, wrist tension, body heat, mania and fright - Quchi governs these."
Thousand Gold Prescriptions: "For itching all over the body like insect bites, when scratched the skin peels off forming sores - moxa Quchi according to the patient's age in cones, apply when symptoms appear, remarkably effective."
How to Locate
With the elbow completely flexed with thumb on top, locate the lateral end of the elbow crease. Then with the elbow flexed at approximately 90°, palpate for a pressure-sensitive depression in this area on the extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. Quchi LI-11 is located close to the border of the proximal aspect of the ulna.
Caution
The radial nerve trunk passes through the deep layer of this point (approximately 1.3-3.3 cm below the skin). When needling deeply, be mindful of the radial recurrent artery branch in the area. In thin or elderly patients, the point may be more superficial than expected - use appropriate depth accordingly. Avoid overstimulation in deficient patients.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Deep
Standard Depth
1.0–2.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–1.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and aching sensation at the point. With stronger stimulation, the deqi sensation typically radiates upward toward the shoulder or downward along the forearm toward the fingers. Deep needling toward Shaohai HT-3 may produce a mild electric sensation along the radial nerve distribution.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Recommended
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Earth-Tu
Transporting Type
Sea-He Point
Mother-Child Role
Mother (Tonifying)
Special Point Classifications
Ma Dan Yang Heavenly Star
Sun Si Miao Ghost Point
Related Resources
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