Located in the thenar eminence between the thumb and first finger, He gu means Joining Valley or Union Valley. This point is a very powerful and often used point. It is the command point of the face and mouth and can be added to any prescription when that area is affected such as TMJ, tooth pain, headache, etc. Another common use for this point is to ward off colds, or wind, as we say in Chinese Medicine. This point both clears wind on it’s own, and also as the Large Intestine channel is paired with the Lung channel, it can effect the Lung and Wei qi, or immune function. I always include this point when a patient has a cold, or feels one is coming on, regardless of the pattern.
When combined with the point Liver 3, we have what is called the “four gates.” This point combination is especially powerful at moving qi and is used quite frequently for this purpose.
When combined with the points Large Intestine 11 and Large Intestine 15, we have what is called a “chain and lock.” This combination is useful when treating any issues with the arm from tendonitis to numbness to muscle pain.
Large Intestine 4, He gu, is one of several points used to induce labor, and is therefore contraindicated in pregnancy unless labor is desired.
Medicinal mushrooms have been a part of the Chinese Materia Medica for several thousand years. These mushrooms, including reishi, oyster, maitake, shitake, and many more, have a strong effect on increasing immune function. For instance, Ling Zhi, or the reishi mushroom, has been studied for its immune enhancing effect, and has been found to increase T cell function. Classically, it is said that Ling Zhi tonifies Lung qi, transforms phlegm, and stops cough and wheeze. Additionally, it has been found to have a carcinostatic effect, meaning that it stops the growth of cancer cells. Nutritionally, mushrooms provide fiber while being low in fat and contain several groups of vitamins, particularly thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, biotin, ascorbic acid and Vitamin D.
