LI 1 — Shāng Yáng (商阳) — Metal Yang
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1. Overview
LI 1 — Shāng Yáng (商阳) — is an acupuncture point on the Large Intestine meridian. Its English name, Metal Yang, 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
On the radial side of the index finger, 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.
3. Actions
- Well point of the Large Intestine — clears Heat and restores consciousness
- Dispels Wind-Heat and reduces fever
- Clears Heat from the throat and face
- Restores Yang in collapse
4. Indications
- High fever with loss of consciousness — jing-well point for emergency use
- Sore throat and dental pain from Heat
- Toothache from Large Intestine Fire
- Numbness of the fingers
- Acute tonsillitis
5. Needling
Shallow perpendicular insertion 0.1 cun, or prick to bleed.
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
LI 1 is the Well (Jing) and Metal point of the Large Intestine meridian. Well points are used to restore consciousness and clear acute Heat. Bloodletting at LI 1 is a classical technique for acute febrile disease with sore throat and is still used in modern practice for tonsillitis and dental abscess with fever.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use LI 1 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Allergies. 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.
