LI 5 — Yáng Xī (阳溪) — Yang Stream
On this page
1. Overview
LI 5 — Yáng Xī (阳溪) — is the Jing-River and Fire point of the Large Intestine meridian. It is the principal local point in acupuncture for radial-side wrist pain, including De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use LI 5 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the radial side of the dorsal aspect of the wrist, in the “anatomical snuffbox” formed between the tendons of extensor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis.
3. Actions
- Activates the meridian and benefits the wrist
- Dispels Wind from the channel
- Clears Heat from the Large Intestine
4. Indications
- Wrist pain on the radial side — the primary clinical use
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (mother’s wrist)
- Thumb tendonitis and trigger thumb
- Repetitive strain injury (RSI) from typing or mouse use
- Acute wrist sprain
- Headache and toothache
- Tinnitus and deafness (channel applications)
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.3–0.5 cun, avoiding the radial artery. Caution with deep needling.
6. Clinical notes
For De Quervain’s I combine LI 5 with LU 7 and Ahshi points along the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons. For carpal tunnel I pair it with PC 7 and HT 7. Electroacupuncture between LI 5 and a distal point intensifies the effect on stubborn tendinitis.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I treat radial-side wrist pain, De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, thumb tendinitis and chronic RSI with acupuncture prescriptions incorporating LI 5. Book a consultation in Wokingham, Berkshire.
