Large Intestine Channel

Quchi LI-11

Chinese: 曲池

Pinyin: Qū Chí

Location

When the elbow is flexed, Quchi LI-11 is in the depression at the lateral end of the cubital crease, midway between Chize LU-5 and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. 

How to locate

With the elbow completely flexed with thumb on top, locate the lateral end of the elbow crease. Then with the elbow flexed at approximately 90°, palpate for a pressure-sensitive depression in this area on the extensor carpi radialis longus muscle. Quchi LI-11 is located close to the border of the proximal aspect of the ulna. 

Main actions

  1. Clears Heat
  2. Cools the Blood
  3. Resolves Dampness
  4. Removes Obstructions from the Channel

Indications

Acne Thirst Eczema Itching Hot skin Red eyes Eye pain Ear pain Vomiting Diarrhea Shingles Arm pain Toothache Urticaria Psoriasis High fever Erysipelas Hemiplegia Tearfulness Arm atrophy Wind-stroke Arm numbness Shoulder pain Abdominal pain Elbow stiffness Dry and scaly skin Shoulder stiffness Abdominal distension Red and swelling papular Vesicular skin rashes and itching

Needling

Vertically 1–1.5 cun

Commentary for Quchi LI-11

Quchi LI-11 is one of the most widely used point and it is indicated for many conditions. 

First of all, it clears Interior Heat. For acute cases, Exterior Heat (eg: Wind-Heat) invades, penetrates the Defensive Qi (1st stage) and accumulates at the Qi Level (2nd stage) according to the Four Level Theory. Thus it develops to Interior Heat. It is also effective in clearing chronic Heat of any Organs, especially in Liver Fire Blazing. 

Furthermore, it has a long history of being used for skin problems as it clears Heat in the Blood. This is one of the fundamental causes for many skin diseases such as urticaria, psoriasis and eczema. Another Sea-He point of the Yang Channel, Weizhong BL-40 is also a major point indicated for skin issues. 

Skin diseases can also be caused by Dampness, especially Damp-Heat, such as papular or vesicular skin eruptions or acne. Apart from skin, Quchi LI-11 also resolves Dampness in other Organs. For example, it treats diarrhoea or digestive problem due to Dampness in the Spleen and Intestines. 

Finally, it treats Painful Obstruction Syndrome, Atrophy Syndrome and Wind-Stroke paralysis by removing obstructions from the Channel. It is most effective in arms, shoulders and elbows and is able to treat pain, stiffness and numbness there.