Baxie — Bā Xié (八邪) — Eight Evils
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1. Overview
Baxie — Bā Xié (八邪) — is an acupuncture point on the Extra points (dorsum of hand) meridian. Its English name, Eight Evils, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
Eight points on the dorsum of both hands, in the depressions between the webs of the fingers — four points per hand between the 1st–2nd, 2nd–3rd, 3rd–4th and 4th–5th fingers.
3. Actions
- Expels Wind and clears Heat from the hand and fingers
- Reduces swelling and relieves pain in the fingers and hand
- Activates the meridians of the hand
- Treats snake and insect bites — a classical indication
4. Indications
- Finger joint pain and swelling — rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the fingers
- Finger numbness and tingling from Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Hand swelling and oedema
- Toothache via the Hand Yang channels
- Headache via distal channel action
5. Needling
Oblique insertion 0.5–0.8 cun directed proximally. Prick to bleed for acute conditions.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
Baxie (Eight Evils) are eight extra points on the dorsum of both hands. They are one of the most effective local prescriptions for finger joint disorders — rheumatoid arthritis affecting the finger joints, Dupuytren's contracture and post-traumatic finger swelling. Bloodletting at the Baxie points is a classical technique for reducing acute finger joint inflammation.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use Baxie as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Carpal tunnel syndrome, Rheumatoid arthritis. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
