Large Intestine meridian

LI-1 (Shāngyáng, 商阳) — Metal Yang

Meridian
Large Intestine (LI)
Anatomical view
anterior
Point classification
Jing-well and Metal point of the Large Intestine channel.
Depth reference
0.1 cun perpendicular
Moxibustion
Applicable with careful heat control.
Reference aliases
LI1; Shangyang; 商阳; Metal Yang

Anatomical location

On the radial side of the index finger, 0.1 finger-cun proximal and lateral to the radial corner of the nail.

Traditional actions

Clears heat from the channel; benefits the throat; awakens the senses in acute excess patterns.

Recorded indications

Primary: Sudden sore throat; swelling beneath the jaw; fever with agitation; loss of consciousness.

Secondary: Index-finger pain or numbness; toothache; ear fullness; acute facial swelling.

How to read this reference

AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.

Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.

Sources

References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region LI1
  2. Guidelines on Basic Training and Safety in Acupuncture

Frequently asked questions

Where is LI-1 located?

On the radial side of the index finger, 0.1 finger-cun proximal and lateral to the radial corner of the nail.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for LI-1?

Clears heat from the channel; benefits the throat; awakens the senses in acute excess patterns. The dataset lists these primary indications: Sudden sore throat; swelling beneath the jaw; fever with agitation; loss of consciousness. Secondary indications are recorded as: Index-finger pain or numbness; toothache; ear fullness; acute facial swelling.

Is LI-1 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify LI-1 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.