LARGE INTESTINE 10: OBSCURE BUT USEFUL & EASY TO ACCESS

Another ever so slightly obscure acupressure point for you to explore at your leisure this Autumn.

LI 10, not nearly as popular or well known as LI 4 or 11, is commonly used for tension, pain &/or paralysis in the upper body – neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists. Furthermore, this acu-point activates the whole LI channel while regulating both KI and blood. In so doing, it harmonizes the intestines and the Stomach and is good for abdominal pain, ulcers, vomiting & diarrhea.

LARGE INTESTINE – NOT ALL ABOUT ELIMINATION

It’s easy to forget that both the Large Intestine and the Lung – organs and meridians – both perform the dual functions of elimination and replenishment. Whereas the Lung is more associated with replenishment, it also performs the vital function of eliminating used CO2. Similarly, the Large Intestine is usually – and quite rightly – seen as the chief eliminator. However, it also plays an important role as the final decision maker and functionary on questions of what is still valuable and should be kept and restored as distinct from what should be tossed.

Large Intestine 10 acu-point is more tonifying and less dispersive than other LI points. It is more about “gathering in & putting in place” than “getting rid of”.

LOCATION

The point is easy to find.
Imagine a line from the end of the elbow crease (LI 11) down the forearm to the webbing between thumb and index (LI 4). Large Intestine 10 sits on this line, just below the elbow (see chart above). More precisely, the distance to be measured is 2 cun – with 1 cun being the width of the thumb at the knuckle.

NOTE: the thumb being used to measure the distance should belong to the person that you are treating.

So relax and breathe gently
Then use deep, firm pressure to massage and stimulate the area for 4 or 5 seconds – as often as you like!
Don’t be surprised if it is a little tender!!