ACUPUNCTURE
Xia Lian: TCM Acupoint Guide
XIALIAN
Name
Xia Lian (Xialian)
Location
On the radial side of the forearm, 4 cun distal to LI-11 Quchi, on the line connecting LI-11 Quchi with LI-5 Yangxi. Note: divide the distance between LI-11 Quchi and LI-5 Yangxi into thirds; LI-8 Xialian is located at the junction of the proximal and middle thirds.
Needling
- Perpendicular or oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1.5 cun.
- Straight insertion, 1 to 2 cun.
- Puncture perpendicularly, 0.5 to 1 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
Actions
- Harmonizes the small intestine
- Expels wind
- Clears heat
- Clears Yangming fire
- Calms the shen
Indications
- Abdominal pain
- Lower abdominal distention
- Fullness and pain of the abdomen and lateral costal region
- Insufficiency of small intestine qi
- Diarrhea containing undigested food
- Blood in the stool
- Dark urine
- Hemiplegia
- Wind-damp bi
- Cold bi
- Arm pain
- Dyspnea
- Motor impairment of the upper limbs
- Vertigo
- Headache
- Head wind
- Dizziness
- Eye pain
- Dry lips with drooling
- Breast abscess, particularly with discharge from the nipple
- Manic raving
- Mad walking
- Speech difficulties
- Chronic emaciation
- Borborygmus
- Pain in the elbow and arm
- Mastitis
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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