Large Intestine Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
LI-8
Needle Depth
0.5–1.5 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 4 cun distal to Quchi LI-11 of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.
Main Actions
- Regulates the Small Intestine
- Clears Heat
- Calms the Mind
Indications
Diarrhea
Eye pain
Dyspnoea
Arm pain
Headaches
Dizziness
Dark Urine
Elbow pain
Hemiplegia
Bloody stools
Abdominal pain
Manic behavior
Breast abcesses
Lower abdominal distension
Lateral costal region pain
Undigested food in the stools
Lateral costal region fullness
Commentary
Xialian LI-8 and Shanglian LI-9 (Lower and Upper Angle) are the upper limb refection of Xiajuxu ST-39 and Shangjuxu ST-37 (Lower and Upper Great Hollow) on the lower limb.
Xialian LI-8 is indicated for Intestines disorders, especially in the Small Intestine. The typical manifestations are abdominal pain and fullness, bloody stools, diarrhea or undigested food in the stools.
The Large Intestine Divergent Channel runs to the breast, thus it can treat breast abscess. This function is unique among the Large Intestine Channel.
Similar to Yangxi LI-5, it also opens the Mind by clearing Fire in Bright Yang. Therefore, it is indicated for mental disease with typical symptoms such as manic behavior and mad talk or walking.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): Xialian LI-8 treats abdominal pain, borborygmus (intestinal rumbling), and pain in the elbow and arm with motor impairment of the upper limbs.
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): Describes the point as part of the Hand Yangming channel, effective for conditions of the intestines and local musculoskeletal complaints.
Name Meaning: "Xia" (下) means lower, and "Lian" (廉) refers to ridge or border. The point is named because it is located on the lower ridge of the forearm, below Shanglian LI-9 (Upper Ridge), close to the radial aspect.
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 midposition with flexed elbow. Xialian LI-8 is located 4 cun distal to Quchi LI-11 on the line connecting Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.
Caution
No significant safety concerns. The point is located in a relatively safe area of the forearm with no major vessels or nerves at risk. Standard needling precautions apply. Ensure proper sterile technique and avoid excessive manipulation in patients with bleeding disorders.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely 0.5–1 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and aching sensation radiating along the forearm. Deqi may propagate toward the elbow or wrist along the Large Intestine channel pathway.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–20 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians