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Meridian Point for Winter: Large Intestine 4

Meridian Point for Winter: Large Intestine 4

by | Education, Illness, Immune Health, Pain Management

Large Intestine 4 is one of the most important and influential points in the entire body.

The Chinese name for Large Intestine 4 is “He Gu” meaning union valley or converging valley. The point is located on the hand in the web between the thumb and index finger, also described as the depression where the index finger and thumb bones part. This area of the hand is often described as “valley like” hence the name converging valley.

The large intestine has many important functions in the body. Connected to the Western medicine function of the large Intestine, it is vital in digestion and bowel regulation, but it also has many functions above and beyond that in Chinese medicine. The large intestine is associated with the emotions of sadness and grief, it can help build immunity as it works as a paired channel to the lung meridian and has a big effect of the flow of Qi and blood in the body.

Large Intestine 4 is a strong point for building the immune system and can be used for when someone has a cold or the flu. It can be used to treat febrile illnesses, rashes from wind or heat, allergic reactions causing rhinitis, as well as sore throat and difficulty swallowing. It is the command point of the face, nose, jaw and mouth and can be used to treat many problems associated with those. Toothaches and TMJ can be painful, but Large Intestine 4 can reduce the pain without even going near the affected areas. It is one of the main points for headaches and many people instinctively press it on their hand when they have a headache, without even realizing it is an acupuncture point. If someone has suffered a stroke, this point can help with paralysis and aid in recovery.

The large Intestine has a great effect on the flow of qi and blood in the body and Large Intestine 4 is a very strong point to get everything moving. Pain, in Chinese medicine, is often when the Qi and blood are stuck and Large Intestine 4 is critical to move this stagnation, especially when coupled with another point called Liver 3.

Coupled with Liver 3, this pair of points is called The Four Gates and together they are a powerhouse in getting the Qi and blood circulated.

They can effectively treat pain, depression, constipation, promote labor, expel retained placenta and help alleviate menstrual disorders caused by stagnation such as endometriosis.

Large Intestine 4 is contraindicated in pregnancy because it is so powerful and moving, but it can be effectively used to induce labor. Used in conjunction with another powerhouse acupuncture point Spleen 6, these two points are commonly used together to start labor, often with electroacupuncture to stimulate the points even more than needles alone.

Once labor has started, Large Intestine 4 can be used if labor is stalled or prolonged as well as used after childbirth to expel the placenta, decrease postpartum bleeding and decrease the time between childbirth and the discharge of the placenta.

Large Intestine 4 is an exceedingly influential point and one of the most commonly used points in acupuncture treatments.

It can also be effective in treating a range of emotional issues such as depression, insomnia, stress, irritability and severe PMS. This point should not be underestimated and its alternative name of Tiger’s Mouth is barely descriptive of its strength in acupuncture treatments.

Cold/Flu Prevention in Asheville

by | Prevention

Here in Asheville it’s cold and flu season.  During Autumn, we are returning to school, work, and gearing up for the holiday season.  According to the laws of nature, it is a time to reduce activity and turn inward to bolster our bodies protective systems from cold, damp days.  While acupuncture and massage are great at cold/flu prevention and support of overall health and wellness, I’m going to share with you three great methods to support your body and create a strong immune system to resist the dreaded cold and flu at home.
  • Grandma was right: Wear a scarf and hat to keep the head and neck warm.  Keep the cold and damp out and the warmth in when outdoors. On the back of the neck there is an acupuncture point called Dazhui or, “Great Vertebra.” This is the point that is most vulnerable to wind and cold causing sore throat, sinus congestion, and chills/fever.  I always keep a scarf and hat in the car and never leave home without them.
  • Salt Water Heals: The common cold and flu affect the respiratory system beginning in the nose and throat.  At the first sign of a sore throat or sinus infection, try nasopharyngeal rinsing twice a day with a solution of 1/4 c. water, a pinch of sea salt, and 3-5 drops of tea tree and/or lavender essential oil.  With a clean dropper or neti pot, cleanse each nostril while the head is tilted back.  The solution should run through the nasal cavity and go out the mouth.  This cleanses the mucous membranes of pollutants and enhances overall immunity.  I perform this feat in the shower to expel the solution with easy cleanup.  After being in an enclosed space with others is a good time to rinse, ie. planes, family gatherings, trains.  Keep in mind, it’s important to use distilled water to cleanse the nasal passage as warned in this recent NY Times article.
  • A Gentle Approach: Learning to pace yourself is very important for immune health.  Reduce rigorous outdoor exercise and replace with more relaxing type exercise such as yoga, tai chi, or qi gong.  These meditative exercises have been scientifically proven to boost immunity while providing gentle movement to increase flexibility, improve blood flow, and calm the mind.
In addition to these easy tips, remember to eat a nutritious, organic diet, keep a positive attitude, and visit your favorite acupuncturist to stay healthy throughout the year.  In the next episode, I’ll share some tips to care for your back.
In service,
Chad Johnson