Here we are. In the absolute depths of summer heat. The season when yang reaches its pinnacle, affecting our bodies and minds in a variety of ways. Large Intestine 11 (or Li11) is one of the most powerful points for clearing any type of heat. Even its name is cooling, Qu Chi, which means “Pool At The Bend,” because the point is located at the bend of the elbow. One thing that I love the most about acupuncture points is that some of the most commonly used points have such a wide gamut of indications, and Li11 is certainly one of those points.
Heat in the body can manifest as fever, high blood pressure, headaches, sore throat, or simply that feeling of being overheated which is so common this time of year. I also love using this point for cooling menopausal heat symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. Heat in the mind and emotions can look like anxiety, restlessness, hyperactivity, irritability/hot tempered, or insomnia.
With late summer, and because we live in a high humidity climate, we experience more dampness associated with the season – specifically damp heat, which can feel swampy, sticky and heavy. Luckily Li11 is also a brilliant point for clearing dampness and damp heat (YAY!). Dampness combined with heat often manifests as any type of acute inflammation or infection, arthritis, rashes or hives or diarrhea.
This point is easy to find and very accessible to apply pressure on yourself. To find this point, bend your arm and search for the end of the crease on the outside of your elbow. Now you can use this point to clear heat and recognize when your acupuncturist is using this point on you. Let Lii11 be a soothing and cooling balm to alleviate your summer mind and body woes.
