Acupuncture
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EX-UE-4
Safety Warnings
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.1–0.2 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Fingers
Location
On the middle finger dorsum, in the center of the transverse creases of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIP).
Main Actions
- Descends the Stomach Qi
- Clears Heat
Indications
Hiccup (Diaphragm spasm)
Nausea
Vomiting
Dysphagia (Difficulty swallowing)
Esophageal spasm
Loss of appetite
Gastric reflux
Regurgitation of food
Epistaxis (Nosebleed)
Toothache
Vitiligo (White skin patches)
Finger joint pain
Morning sickness during pregnancy
Commentary
Zhongkui EX-UE-4 is not a major point. Its main point is to descends the Stomach Qi as well as clear Heat.
Classical Sources
Bian Que Shen Ying Zhen Jiu Yu Long Jing (扁鹊神应针灸玉龙经): "For toothache that comes in waves of pain, seek out Erjian [LI-2] for needling and moxibustion; for uncontrollable vomiting and food regurgitation, try the extraordinary point Zhongkui."
Yi Jing Xiao Xue (医经小学): "Zhongkui, two points, at the tip of the second segment of the middle finger, treats rebellious stomach [regurgitation]."
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (针灸大成): "Zhongkui, two points, on the bone tip of the second segment of the middle finger, found by bending the finger. Treats the five types of dysphagia, rebellious stomach and vomiting food. Apply 7 moxa cones, reducing technique is appropriate."
Wai Zhi Shou Shi Fang (外治寿世方): "For nosebleed, tie a thread tightly around the bend of the second joint of the middle finger and the bleeding will stop immediately. Left bleeding - tie right, right bleeding - tie left, both sides bleeding - tie both. Extremely effective."
How to Locate
Slightly bend the PIP of the middle finger. The point is located at the vertex of the flexed joint. Xiaokugong EX-UE-6 is on the center PIP of the little finger dorsum. Dagukong EX-UE-5 is on the center PIP of the thumb dorsum. Sifeng EX-UE-10 is a group of four points located on the palmar aspect of the PIP from the 2nd to the 5th finger.
Caution
This point is located over thin tissue directly on bone, making needle sensation quite intense. Some sources recommend moxibustion or pricking to bleed rather than standard needling. Care should be taken if patient has bleeding disorders. If wearing rings, remove before treatment to prevent complications from any local swelling.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.1–0.2 cun
Needling Directions
Prick to bleed or moxibustion. No needling is allowed.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Strong local distension and soreness at the proximal interphalangeal joint. Due to the thin tissue over bone, sensation can be quite intense. Some patients may experience referred sensation along the finger.
Moxibustion
Particularly Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes; or 3–7 moxa cones
Cupping
Contraindicated
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Contraindicated
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