LI 11

Acupuncture Point Theory

LI 11 Acupuncture Point Applications and Theory

The acupuncture point "LI 11" , 曲池, is represented by "Qu Chi" in pinyin and "Pool at the Bend" in english and may be found:

At the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease midway between LU 5 and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.


Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Reduction of high fevers, patients with the 4 bigs, combine with LI 1, LI 2 or LI 4.
  • Damp Heat skin diseases, red, itchy, oozing & inflamed (hives, herpes zoster, acne), may be used with UB 40 for any skin disease.
  • ST Excess Issues, burning diarrhea.
  • Elbow and upper limb disorders, pain and inflammation, atrophy, tremors - expels wind dampness from the channel.
  • Hot flashes a/or menstrual issues with heat in the Blood.
  • Expels summer heat with UB 40 & SP 10, for heat stroke add SI 3.
  • Tong Ren/Tam Healing System: Useful for any blood circulation issue (raynaud's, anemia, etc.), skin problems (hives, itchiness), tennis elbow.  


Li 11 has the following theoretical associations which serve as important guideposts in designing an effective treatment protocol:

Explore li 11 functional grouping theory - Ghost Point, or read all point categories and related theory.

A single acupuncture point is not commonly thought of as an empirical way to influence a TCM diagnostic pattern. LI11, however, is a strong candidate to be incorporated into an acupuncture protocol for patients who exhibit: Large Intestine Damp Heat, Liver and Gallbladder Damp Heat, Stomach Fire, Stomach Rebellious Qi and/or Summer Heat

LI 11 may potentially be used, in coordination with a well designed acupuncture treatment protocol, to influence the following conditions: Diarrhea, Fever, Heat Stroke, Hot Flashes, Menorrhagia (Heavy Menstrual Bleeding), Parkinson's Disease (PD), Shingles (Herpes Zoster), Skin Problems (Rash) and/or Sweat Problems

While not necessarily valid clinically, HT 3 (Pain, numbness, tremors, etc. of the lower arms a…), LU 5 (He Sea Point - useful for counterflow Qi/diarrhea…), SI 8 (Elbow problems, swelling, trembling, pain, numbne…) and TH 10 (Transforms phlegm, reduce lymph swellings, thyroi…) are nearby.

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