Lingdao HE-4
Chinese: 灵道
Pinyin: Líng Dào
Location
On the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris, 1.5 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist when the palm faces upward.
How to locate
The flexor carpi radialis muscle has a distinct tendon which can be easily palpated ulnar and proximal to the wrist crease. It attaches to the pisiform bone.
Lingdao HE-4 is located directly on the radial side of the tendon, 1.5 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist when the palm faces upward.
Shenmen He-7, Yinxi HE-6, Tongli HE-5 and Lingdao HE-4 are all located on a line on the radial aspect of the tendon at 0.5 cun intervals.
Main actions
- Calms the Mind
- Relaxes the sinews
- Benefits the voice
Needling
0.3–1 cun vertically or obliquely in a proximal or distal direction.
Commentary for Lingdao HE-4
Lingdao HE-4 is the River point of the Heart Channel. It is mostly used to treat channel disorders and it has a special action on joints and bones. For examples, it can be stimulated to ease spasm and forearm neuralgia.
It can also treat Painful Obstruction Syndrome (Bi Syndrome) of elbow and wrist, especially if the obstruction is in the Heart or Small Intestine Channels.
On the other hand, Lingdao HE-4 is also able to subdues Rebellious Qi. Therefore it can treat symptoms such as retching as well as redness and swelling of the eyes.
Finally, it treats mental issues such as sadness, fear, anxiety, mental restlessness due to its calming effect on the Mind.