Search in acupoints
LI-13 (Arm) Five Lǐ
手五里 〔手五里〕shǒu wǔ lǐ
Alternate names: 尺之五里 chǐ zhī wǔ lǐ, Five Li of the Cubit; 大禁 dà jìn, Great Prohibition; 手之五里 shǒu zhī wǔ lǐ, Five Li of the Arm; 五里（手） wǔ lǐ shǒu, Five Li (arm)
Channel: LI, Hand Yáng Brightness (yáng míng) Large Intestine Channel
Modern location: An acupoint located on the lateral aspect of the upper arm, 3 cùn superior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus on the line connecting LI-11 (qū chí) and LI-15 (jiān yú).
Classic location: At the pulsating vessel, three cùn above the elbow and slightly inward. (Zhēn Jiǔ Dà Chéng)
Local anatomy: The radial collateral artery and vein. The posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve; deeper, the radial nerve.
Action: Courses the channels and quickens the network vessels; disinhibits the joints.
Modern indications: Hypertonicity and pain in the elbow and arm; scrofula.
Classic indications: Distension, fullness and pain below the heart; qì ascent; wind taxation; fright and fear;
Needle stimulus: Needling: 0.3‒0.7 cùn perpendicular insertion. Moxa: 7‒15 cones; pole 5‒20 min.
Warning: Needling of this point was contraindicated in ancient times, probably because thick needles used at the time caused damage to the artery or radial nerve. The finer needles now available enable the point to be used to great effect, provided adequate care is taken to avoid the nerve.
Back to previous page