How do I find the Qu Chi acupoint on my body?

Bend your elbow to 90 degrees. Qu Chi (LI11) is located at the outer (thumb-side) end of the elbow crease. To be precise: when the elbow is bent, the point sits at the lateral end of the transverse crease, between the tendon of the biceps and the lateral epicondyle. Pressing firmly should produce a distinct sore or aching sensation. You can find it on both arms.

What conditions is Qu Chi most commonly used to treat?

Qu Chi is most commonly used for: skin conditions (acne, eczema, hives, rashes), fever and immune support during colds and flu, high blood pressure, elbow and shoulder pain (including tennis elbow), and allergic conditions like hay fever. It is one of TCM's most versatile points because it clears heat, supports immunity, and treats both the skin and the upper extremity.

Qu Chi (曲池 LI11): Pool at the Bend — TCM's Key Point for Heat, Immunity, and Skin

What Is Qu Chi (LI11)?

Qu Chi (曲池), translated as the “Pool at the Bend,” is the He-Sea point of the Large Intestine meridian, located at the elbow. It is one of the most versatile and frequently used acupoints in clinical TCM practice, valued for its ability to clear heat, support immunity, treat dermatological conditions, and relieve upper limb pain.

As a He-Sea point (合穴), it is where meridian Qi “enters the deeper regions” — making it a powerful treatment point for its corresponding organ (Large Intestine) and for systemic conditions. Its connection to the Lung-Large Intestine Metal pair gives it a strong influence over the skin and immune system.

Location and How to Find It

Standard Location

Detail	Information
Meridian	Large Intestine (Da Chang Jing)
Point number	LI11 (Large Intestine 11)
Classification	He-Sea point (合穴)
Location	Lateral end of the elbow crease when flexed at 90°

Finding the Point

Bend the elbow to approximately 90 degrees
Look at the outer (thumb-side) of the arm
Find the crease at the front of the elbow
The point is at the outer end of this crease
Press firmly — you should feel a sore, aching sensation

Alternative Method

Fully bend the elbow
Place your opposite thumb on the outer elbow
Qu Chi sits in the depression at the junction of the crease and the bony prominence

TCM Functions

Primary Actions

Clears heat and resolves toxins (清热解毒) — reduces fever and inflammation
Dispels wind and dampness (祛风除湿) — treats exterior invasions and skin conditions
Regulates Qi and Blood (调理气血) — promotes circulation
Harmonizes the intestines (调和肠胃) — treats digestive disorders
Reduces swelling (消肿) — anti-inflammatory effect

Clinical Applications

1. Skin Conditions (Dermatology)

Qu Chi is one of the most important points in TCM dermatology:

Condition	How Qu Chi Helps
Acne	Clears heat and toxins from the skin
Eczema	Dispels wind-damp-heat from the surface
Hives (urticaria)	Dispels wind, clears heat, regulates immunity
Psoriasis (heat type)	Clears blood heat and toxins
Rashes	Resolves heat-based skin eruptions

Often combined with Xue Hai (SP10) — the classic dermatology pair
The Lung “governs the skin” and Large Intestine is its paired organ

2. Fever and Immune Support

Wind-heat common cold — sore throat, fever, slight sweating
Fever from various causes — heat-clearing action
Preventive during cold season — strengthens immune defense
Combined with He Gu (LI4), Da Zhui (GV14), Wai Guan (TE5)

3. Blood Pressure Regulation

Frequently used in TCM treatment of hypertension
Particularly effective for Liver Yang rising type
Combined with Tai Chong (LV3), Feng Chi (GB20), He Gu (LI4)
Regular acupressure may help maintain healthy blood pressure

4. Upper Limb Pain

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) — local point
Shoulder pain radiating to the arm
Elbow stiffness and limited range of motion
Arm numbness and weakness
Combined with Jian Liao (TE14), Wai Guan (TE5), He Gu (LI4)

5. Allergic Conditions

Allergic rhinitis — seasonal and perennial
Allergic skin reactions — contact dermatitis, hives
Asthma (as supporting point)
Combined with Ying Xiang (LI20), Fei Shu (BL13)

6. Intestinal Disorders

Heat-type diarrhea — urgency, burning, foul smell
Constipation — especially with heat signs
Abdominal pain with intestinal spasms
He-Sea point action on the Large Intestine organ

Acupressure Self-Care

Basic Technique

Bend the arm slightly or keep relaxed
Use opposite thumb to press Qu Chi
Moderate-to-firm pressure
Small circular motions
2-3 minutes per side, 1-2 times daily

Condition-Specific Protocols

Condition	Method	Duration
Skin flare-up	Firm circular pressure	3-5 min each side
Cold/fever prevention	Moderate pressure, brisk circles	2-3 min, 3x daily
Blood pressure	Gentle sustained pressure	5 min each side, 2x daily
Elbow/shoulder pain	Direct pressure + stretch	3-5 min as needed
Allergies	Moderate pressure, both sides	3 min each, morning

Classic Point Combinations

Qu Chi + He Gu (LI4): The “heat-clearing pair” — powerful for clearing systemic heat, headache, and toothache.

Qu Chi + Xue Hai (SP10): The “dermatology pair” — Qu Chi clears heat from the surface, Xue Hai clears blood heat. Essential for acne, eczema, hives.

Qu Chi + Tai Chong (LV3): The “blood pressure pair” — Qu Chi clears heat, Tai Chong pacifies Liver Yang. For hypertension with headache and irritability.

Cautions

Situation	Guidance
Pregnancy	Use caution — Large Intestine points can be sensitive during pregnancy
Thin arms	Reduce needling depth
Elbow injury	Avoid direct pressure on acute injuries
Skin infection at site	Do not needle through infections

Key Takeaways

Qu Chi (LI11) is the He-Sea point of the Large Intestine at the elbow crease
One of TCM’s top points for clearing heat, treating skin, and boosting immunity
Essential in dermatology — acne, eczema, hives, rashes
Useful for hypertension, allergies, and upper limb pain (including tennis elbow)
The Qu Chi + Xue Hai pairing is the gold standard for TCM skin treatment

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. Acupuncture requires a licensed practitioner. Self-acupressure is generally safe but consult a professional for specific conditions.