LI 4 - Joining the Valley (Hoku)

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Large Intestine 4 is a point that gets used a lot in acupuncture and

acupressure.

 

It's name is Joining the Valley. It's located in the webbing between the thumb

and index finger.

 

Large Intestine 4 is a good point for relieving constipation and colonic

inertia. Because constipation and colonic inertia can play a role in a number of

health conditions, LI 4 gets used a lot. It has application in treating

conditions like headache, toothaches, shoulder pain, arthritis, and labor pain.

It also is used in treating colds and flu in part because regular bowel

movenments help to rid the body of mucus and in part because inducing bowel

movements is one way to clear Heat in the Lungs. Note: Some headaches are due to

constipation. Not all headaches are, but consider sluggish bowel movements as a

possible cause in people who experience frequent headaches.

 

You find the LI 4 point by bringing the thumb close to the index finger. The

highest point of the webbing is where you want to apply pressure. Put the thumb

of your other hand on top of the highest point of the webbing. Put the tip index

finger on the other side of your hand, on the palm side. You will be squeezing

the point held between the thumb and index finger. Now angle the pressure

towards the index finger of the hand you're treating. This is the LI 4 point.

 

NOTE: THIS POINT CONTRAINDICATED IN TREATING PREGNANT WOMEN BECAUSE IT CAN BRING

ON PREMATURE LABOR.

 

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Advanced info: There is a connection between the Large Intestine and Lung

meridians. The are both " Metal " meridians, and both are particularly vulnerable

to Dryness. The Lung is the Yin Metal meridian; the Large Intestine is the Yang

Metal meridian. You may remember from Dagmar's newsletters that the Liver is the

Yin Wood meridian, and the Gallbladder is the Yang Wood meridian. The Liver and

Gallbladder are coupled meridians. The Lung and Large Intestine meridian are

coupled meridians. This is part of the reason why lung problems are sometimes

treated by purging the Large Intestine. The Heat which is building up to

dangerous levels in the Lung is released via the Large Intestine.

 

Victoria

 

 

 

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