Acupuncture point guide
LI4 Hegu
LI4 Hegu is a point on the back of the hand. Its code links it to the Large Intestine Meridian.
- Code
- LI4
- Pinyin
- Hegu
- Chinese
- 合谷
- Meridian
- Large Intestine Meridian
- Body region
- Back of the hand
Location and landmarks
On the back of the hand, beside the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone on its thumb side, between the first and second metacarpals. Use the hand detail view to distinguish the metacarpal bones from the finger bones. A broad web-space marker is only an orientation aid; the written landmark description provides the more specific reference.
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Left and right refer to the person shown in the atlas. Map symbols are schematic positions.
Traditional context
Hegu is discussed in traditional acupuncture teaching in relation to the head and face. It is also often discussed alongside LR3 Taichong. A traditional pairing describes a clinical teaching convention, not a diagnosis or a universal treatment recommendation.
Reading evidence
A location standard identifies a point; it does not establish treatment effectiveness. Clinical findings need to be read for the actual intervention, point combination, population and outcome studied.
Frequently asked questions
Is LI4 simply the highest point of the muscle between the thumb and index finger?
That can be a quick orientation aid, but it is not the full location description. Hand posture changes the visible muscle contour. Compare the diagram with the metacarpal landmark.
Does this page show how to treat a toothache?
No. It explains the identity and location of LI4. Dental pain needs assessment of its cause; a point guide cannot replace dental care.
Sources and editorial information
- GB/T 12346—2021 Acupoint Names and Locations — location standard reference.
- WHO Standard Acupuncture Nomenclature — international code reference.
- Chinese LI4 Hegu article — paired source record.
Editorial status: English pilot content pending subject review. No expert-review claim is made.
Related guides
Additional English point guides are not yet published. Browse the English pilot.