Joining Valley
هِهگوHe Gu · هوگو · Hoku · GokokuLocation
On the dorsum of the hand, radial to the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone.
Anatomy
First dorsal interosseous muscle; branches of the radial nerve.
How to find it
With the thumb and index finger adducted, the point is at the highest spot of the muscle bulge, pressed toward the second metacarpal.
Functions
Regulates wei qi, expels wind, releases the exterior, relieves pain, benefits the face and mouth, induces labour.
Indications
Headache, facial and tooth pain, common cold, sweating disorders, pain anywhere (general analgesic point).
Toothache and facial pain
Chronic pain (general analgesia)
Contraindications & precautions
Critical Contraindicated in pregnancy (strong stimulation may induce labour).
Technique
Perpendicular 0.5–1 cun; strong de qi.
Related points · The same point in other schools
Anatomically near T22.05 Linggu — Linggu lies proximal to LI4 in the angle of the two metacarpals.
Anatomically near T22.04 Dabai — Dabai lies a short distance from LI4 against the second metacarpal; identity and use differ between the schools.
Functionally similar LR3 Great Rushing — The "Four Gates" combination: together they move qi and blood through the whole body.
Protocols using this point
Sources of this point
- A Manual of Acupuncture — Peter Deadman, Mazin Al-Khafaji, Kevin Baker (2007) S3
- Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis — Vickers AJ, Vertosick EA, Lewith G, et al. (2018) S4
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region — World Health Organization (2008) S1