Location
On the dorsum of the hand between 1st & 2nd metacarpal bones approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.
Cautions
Contraindicated during pregnancy; avoid in first trimester.
Indications
Conditions for which LI04 is listed as indicated. An indication list is a reference index, not a prescription – see the protocols below for sourced treatments.
Absent PeriodsAtrophy LimbsAtrophy LimbsBenefit EarsBenefit EarsBenefit EyesBenefit EyesBenefit FaceBenefit FaceBenefit MouthBenefit MouthBenefit NoseBenefit NoseBenefit Regulate SweatingChillsNasal CongestionNasal CongestionDeafness(infant) Nutrition DeficiencyInfantile Nutrition DeficiencyYang DeficiencyYang DeficiencyDeviation FaceDeviation FaceFacial DroopFacial DroopNasal DischargeNasal DischargeDisease FebrileDisease FebrilePsychological DisorderPsychological DisorderDysenteryEyesight / Vision DimDim VisionEyesight / Vision Superficial ObstructionSuperficial Obstruction VisionFeverGhost Syndrome Childhood Fright WindGhost Syndrome Childhood Fright WindHemiplegiaHigh Blood PressureHigh Blood PressureFinger Contraction StiffnessHand Tendinous Strain StiffnessLips Do Not Close StiffnessLips Tightness StiffnessThumb Sprain StiffnessImmobility Finger ContractionImmobility Hand Tendinous StrainImmobility Lips Do Not CloseImmobility Lips TightnessImmobility Thumb SprainInjury ColdInjury ColdLabour DelayedLabour DelayedLabour InduceLabour InduceLabour ProlongedLabour ProlongedMalariaMumpsNosebleedPainArm PainArm PainBone PainBone PainEye PainEye PainHeadacheHeadacheHeadache Global PainHeadache Global PainMigraineHeadache One-sided PainLumbar Spine PainLumbar Spine PainTeeth Toothache Inferior Jaw PainTeeth Toothache Inferior Jaw PainTendon Ligament PainTendon / Ligament PainPharyngitisPulse / Heart Rate FloatingPulse Heart Rate Floating RednessRegulate SweatingRelease ExteriorRelease ExteriorRetention Dead FoetusRetention Dead FoetusRhinitisExcessive SneezingExcessive SneezingChannel StagnationChannel StagnationQi Defensive StagnationQi Defensive StagnationSpontaneous SweatingSpontaneous SweatingSweating ExcessiveSweating Excessive SwellingFacial SwellingFacial SwellingBi Arthralgia Limbs SyndromeBi / Arthralgia Limbs SyndromeWind Cold Exterior SyndromeWind-cold Exterior SyndromeTetanusThirsting ExcessiveThirsting ExcessiveTinnitusTongue Lotus FlowerTongue Lotus FlowerTongue RigidTongue RigidTongue Surface CrackedTongue Surface CrackedTonsilitis (infant)Tonsilitis InfantileMouth UlcersMouth UlcersVoice LossVoice LossWindWind RashWind Rash
Protocols using LI04
- Hypogalactia, Breastfeeding Insufficiency, Lactation Postpartum – LU01, LI04, ST17, ST18, SP20, SI01, BL17, BL18, BL20, BL21, GB21, CV17 (https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-025-02773-8)
- Hemiplegia, Motor Dysfunction, Ischemic Stroke, Neurological Impairment – LI04, LI11, ST36, SP06, GB20, GB33, GB39, GV20 (Wu P, Zeng F, Li YX, Li J, Qiu LH, Qin W, Luo L, Yin CX, Xiong Y, Bai Y, Wang D, Zhou YM, Liang FR. Effect of acupuncture plus conventional treatment on brain activity in ischemic stroke patients: a regional homogeneity analysis. J Tradit Chin Med. 2017; 37(5): 650-658.)
- Chronic Pain, Cancer Pain – LI04, LV03 (https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-017-1838-5)
- Headache Migraine, Migraine Without Aura – LI04, ST36, SP06, PC06, GB14, GB20, LV03, CV12, GV20 (https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1526-4610.2002.02203.x)
- Sweating, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Insomnia, Irritability, Hot Flashes, Vaginal Dryness, Dyspareunia, Bone Pain, Menstrual Irregularity, Perimenopausal Syndrome – LI04, ST36, SP06, HT07, SI19, KD03, KD07, GB20, GB34, GB39, LV03, LV05, CV04, GV20 (https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-6215-15-198)
- Insomnia, Cancer Breast, Sleep Disturbance Cancer – LI04, SP06, HT07 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apjon.2023.100308)
- Headache Frontal, Headache Tension-type, Forehead Pain – LI04, ST44, GB20, GV20, XH03, XH05 (https://doi.org/10.1177/02692155241229282)
- Cancer Pain, Cancer Leukemia – LI04, LI11, ST36, LV03 (https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000033939)
- Postoperative Pain, Post-Operative Nausea, Thoracic Pain – LI04, PC06 (https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/5365456)
- Masticatory Pain, Temporomandibular Pain, Myofascial Pain Jaw – LI04, LI11, SI19, BL02, TB23, GB20, GB21, GB34, LV02, CV23 (https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-7757-2020-1035)
- Dizziness, Itchiness Skin, Postoperative Pain, Post-Operative Nausea, Dizziness Postoperative, Pruritus Postoperative – LI04, ST36, PC06 (https://doi.org/10.1093/bja/aeu001)
- Nasal Congestion, Sneezing, Nasal Itching, Eye Itching, Rhinitis Allergic Seasonal, Rhinorrhoea, Eye Watering – LI04, LI11, LI20, GB20 (https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-021-00536-w)