Acupuncture
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EX-UE-8
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Hand — Dorsum
Location
On the hand dorsum, between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones, proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joints, at the junction of the heads and the shafts of the metacarpal bones.
Main Actions
- Strengthens the Qi and Blood of the neck
Indications
Commentary
Wailaogong EX-UE-8 is an important distal point for treating acute cervical spine disorders.
With Reducing Needling method on the affected or opposite side of the neck/cervical spine, it can strongly reduce the discomfort. During the treatment, the patients should move their neck gently while keeping their hand in a fixed position.
Classical Sources
《小儿推拿方脉活婴秘旨全书》(Xiaoer Tuina Fangmai Huoying Mizhi Quanshu): "外劳宫，在指下，正对掌心是穴。治粪白不变，五谷不消，肚腹泄泻。" (Wailaogong is located below the fingers, directly opposite Laogong on the palm. Treats white stools that don't change, undigested food, and abdominal diarrhea.)
《针灸孔穴及其疗法便览》(Zhenjiu Kongxue Jiqi Liaofa Bianlan): "外劳宫，奇穴。手背中央。针二至三分。灸三壮。主治掌指麻痹、五指不能伸屈、小儿脐风，亦治手背红肿发痛。" (Wailaogong, an extra point. Center of the hand dorsum. Needle 2-3 fen. Moxa 3 cones. Treats palm and finger numbness, inability to flex/extend fingers, infantile umbilical wind, and also hand dorsum redness, swelling and pain.)
How to Locate
This point is best located with the patient making a loose fist. With the palpating finger, glide in the groove between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones from the wrist joint towards the fingers until the finger comes to rest in the depression just proximal to the heads of the two metacarpal bones. Here, locate Wailaogong Ex-UE-8. Zhongzhu TB-3 is located in a comparable position between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones.
Caution
This point can be quite painful to needle. Exercise caution in patients with weak constitution as there is a risk of needle fainting (needle shock). When treating stiff neck, active neck movement during needling is essential for therapeutic effect. Some sources note that reducing needling technique on the opposite side of the affected neck can be particularly effective.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun vertically or slightly obliquely. Caution: Do not stimulate this point in patients with a weak constitution due to danger of potential needle collapse.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension at the point. In some cases, a tingling or electric sensation may radiate toward the fingertips. When treating stiff neck, the patient may feel immediate relief in neck mobility.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 3–5 minutes
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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