LI 11 — Qū Chí (曲池) — Pool at the Bend
On this page
1. Overview
LI 11 — Qū Chí (曲池) — is an acupuncture point on the Large Intestine meridian. Its English name, Pool at the Bend, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of 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. I use LI 11 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
At the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease, at the midpoint between the lateral epicondyle of the humerus and LU 5 (Chize), when the elbow is flexed at 90°.
3. Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Dampness
- Cools the Blood and eliminates Wind
- Regulates Qi and Blood
- Activates the meridian and relieves pain
- Lowers blood pressure
4. Indications
- Elbow pain, tennis elbow and lateral epicondylitis — the most important local point
- Skin conditions — urticaria, eczema, psoriasis and acne from Heat in the Blood
- Fever, sore throat and acute infections
- High blood pressure from Liver Yang rising
- Arm pain, weakness and paralysis from stroke
- Itching from Wind and Heat in the Blood
- Abdominal pain, diarrhoea and dysentery
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 1.0–1.5 cun. Strong De Qi. Moxibustion applicable.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
LI 11 is the He-Sea point of the Large Intestine meridian, conferring powerful Heat-clearing properties consistent with the He-Sea point category's affinity for treating conditions of the fu (hollow) organs. It is one of the most important points for skin conditions driven by Heat in the Blood and Wind, and one of the primary points used in the treatment of hypertension. Combined with LI 4, it forms a powerful Exterior-releasing and Heat-clearing duo used in febrile disease.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use LI 11 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Tennis elbow, High blood pressure, Acne, 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.
