Acupuncture
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EX-UE-7
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Hand — Dorsum
Location
This is a group of 2 points, located on the hand dorsum. One point is between the 2nd and 3rd metacarpal bones while the other is between the 4th and 5th. They are on the level of the junctions of the shaft and the base of the respective metacarpal bones.
Main Actions
- Strengthen the Qi and Blood in the lumbar region and reduces pain
Indications
Commentary
Yaotongdian EX-UE-7 is a very effective distal point for treating acute pain in the lumbar spine, just as its name indicates. It is often selected when the pain is on either side of the posterior midline.
Classical Sources
Yaotongdian was first documented during the Ming Dynasty (1600s) by the imperial physician Gong Yunlin (龚云林), who originally named these points Weiling (威灵) and Jingling (精灵). The name "Yaotongdian" (腰痛点) literally translates to "lumbar pain point," directly reflecting its primary indication.
Classical texts note that pressing and rubbing these points for 3 minutes can treat lumbar sprain. The Zhenjiu Kongxue Bianlan (《针灸孔穴便览》) records: "Weiling and Jingling, extraordinary points on the dorsum of the hand between the metacarpal bones, treat tinnitus, dizziness, headache, dorsal hand swelling, and wrist joint pain."
How to Locate
On the dorsal aspect of the hand, glide with the palpating fingers in the grooves between the 2nd and 3rd as well as between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones towards the wrist joint, until the fingers come to rest in the depressions just distal to the bases of the metacarpal bones.
Caution
Do not stimulate these distal points in patients with a weak constitution due to risk of needle collapse (fainting). Ensure patients have eaten before treatment. This point is traditionally needled with the patient seated while actively moving the lumbar region—monitor carefully for dizziness, nausea, or sweating. Ask patients if they feel faint during treatment. If symptoms occur, remove needles immediately and have patient lie down with legs elevated. Acupressure to Sishencong (EX-HN-1) can help stabilize patients who feel faint.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–0.8 cun vertically or slightly obliquely towards the centre of a loose fist. Caution: Do not stimulate these distal points in patients with a weak constitution due to the danger of potential needle collapse.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Soreness and distension locally on the dorsum of the hand, with possible numbness radiating toward the fingers. During proper treatment for acute lumbar sprain, patients may experience immediate relief in the lower back, especially when combining needle stimulation with active lumbar movement.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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