Large Intestine Meridian
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LI-7
Xi-Cleft Point
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Forearm
Location
When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 5 cun above Yangxi LI-5 at the wrist crease, 1 cun distal to the midpoint of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Removes obstructions from the Channel
- Opens the Mind's orifices
- Regulates the Intestines
Indications
Commentary
Wenliu LI-7 is an Accumulation-Xi point, which is the place the Qi and Blood gather and plunge deeper. They normally flow relatively superficially along the Channels from the Well-Jing point. Accumulation-Xi points are often used for acute conditions with pain.
Wenliu LI-7 removes Obstructions from the Channel so as to stop pain, especially for acute cases in arms and shoulders.
It is effective in clearing Heat and detoxifying in the face, eyes and mouth. The typical symptoms are mouth ulcers, hot tongue, tonsillitis, redness and swelling of the eye, facial pain, furuncles of face as well as toothache.
When excessive Heat is accumulated in Bright Yang of the Six Stage Theory, the patients tend to have serious mental conditions such as manic behavior, uncontrolled or inappropriate laughing or hallucinations of 'ghost'. The point is also able to clear the Bright Yang Fire or Heat so as to open the Mind's orifices.
Finally it regulates the Intestines so as to treat abdominal pain and distension.
Classical Sources
Zhēnjiǔ Jiǎyǐ Jīng (針灸甲乙經 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): "Located behind the wrist, between 5 and 6 cun."
Zhēnjiǔ Dàchéng (針灸大成 - Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Describes the point location between 5 and 6 cun behind the wrist, noting that early texts did not fix absolute anatomical locations.
Classical indications: The point has been traditionally used for treating acute conditions of the Large Intestine channel, including intestinal disorders, throat pain, facial swelling, and carbuncles.
How to Locate
With the hand supinated, the line connecting Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11 runs alongside the radial margin of the forearm. However, with the arm pronated, it transverses the forearm. The forearm is recommended to be in a mid-position with flexed elbow. Wenliu LI-7 is located on the dorso-lateral aspect of the radius, 5 cun above Yangxi LI-5 at the wrist or 1 cun distal to the midpoint of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.
Caution
Avoid the radial artery branches and cephalic vein in the area. The point lies between the extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor pollicis longus tendons. Standard needling precautions apply; no major safety concerns with proper technique.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Soreness, distension, or numbness at the point, which may radiate along the forearm toward the elbow or wrist. Some patients report a warm sensation spreading through the area.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Recommended
Special Point Classifications
Xi-Cleft Point
Related Resources
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