If you’ve received acupuncture, chances are you already experienced Large Intestine 4 (LI4), at some point. Acupuncturists often use LI4, also translated as Union Valley, because it’s extremely effective for relieving pain, headaches, regulating elimination, and clearing out symptoms in the head and the intestines. Below you will find a little bit more about the magic of this point and how you can use it to support your mind, body and spirit to allow change and let go of things no longer meant for your system. 

In the beautiful book, Characters of Wisdom, about the translation of the Chinese point names, Deborah Katz and Harrison Xinshi Tu write about the character for LI4, 合谷 (He Gu) as the point along the large intestine channel where energy clears what is no longer needed with great vitality. Union Valley denotes a place where more than one valley converges, which implies ample resource and momentum, so nothing remains stagnant. The lush imagery of a valley conveys that this is actually a very nourishing point, which helps us to receive our resources, which we are often unable to imagine when we are physically or mentally holding onto something. 

With its amazing relationship to clearing out what no longer supports vitality, LI4 can be used through acupuncture or acupressure to support the following functions:

  • Body. This point is excellent for supporting the body with pain anywhere in the body, especially the face, head and neck (sinuses, toothaches, earaches, jaw tension, etc.). Additionally, it’s also a great aid in detoxification, i.e. constipation, diarrhea, food poisoning, and even hangovers! (A note of caution: Although LI4 can be awesome to help alleviate pain associated with cramping during menstruation, this powerful point is best to avoid stimulating on pregnant bodies.)
  • Mind/Spirit. One of the brilliant things about this point is that is supports elimination by nourishing our resources so that we are able to let go with more ease. This point can offer us the calm bridge between what was and what is now.  “When we are full of anxiety, distress, and confusion, this point can clear out the system and revitalize the Qi with fresh clear energy and bring out thoughts back to the understanding of the heart” (Kaatz, 2012).

A note on using this point for acupuncture.

You can find LI4, by locating the fleshy depression just beyond the meeting point where our thumb and first finger bones meet, in a “V” shape. This point is usually a little achy (especially when it needs some love!), which can help us know when we’ve found just the right spot. Once you find the spot you can massage it with gentle to moderate pressure in small circular motion for several minutes. Acupressure usually works pretty quickly, so you should feel some relief within the first few minutes. If you are massaging LI4 for a migraine or acute sinus pain, you will likely need to repeat this massage throughout the day if the pain returns. This is also an awesome point to stimulate to help ease and regulate bowel movements, and can be incorporated as part of your daily routine, anytime you are on the “throne”! 

Reference: Kaatz, D., & Tu, X. (2012). Characters of wisdom: Taoist tales of the acupuncture points. Soudorgues, France: The Petite Bergerie Press