Overcoming Pain With Large Intestine 4

Here’s a handy, quick little tip for you. It’s not chi kung/qigong, but it’s such a simple and powerful little technique for promtoing health, that I want to share it with you.

I first came across the power of Large Intestine 4 ‘Hegu’ (or L.I.4 as I’ll call it from now on) when I began learning Tui Na about 5 years ago.

Tui Na is one of the 5 main branches of TCM. Think of it as therapeutic massage. It’s great stuff, but not for the sensitive! My teacher was always telling me off, saying ‘harder, this isn’t a beauty treatment’ =)

Here’s a list of some of the benefits to be had by ‘manipulating’ LI4:

One of the most powerful for general well being
Stimulates the immune system
Treats most head and face problems
Headache
Toothache
Relieve nausea and travel sickness

CAUTION – Do not use this point during pregnancy

So where is LI 4?

At the base of the V formed by the bones of the thumb and the index finger.

To manipulate use the tip of the thumb from your other hand (helps if your nails are short). You’ve really got to ‘get in deep’, to the point of it being uncomfortable, but not unbearable. And you want to press and knead it for at least 5 minutes.

Remember, do not use this point during pregancy, but next time you have a headache or toothache, remember to give it a try.

bye for now

Marcus James Santer