| Ling Gu |
This has been one of my most popular acupuncture posts since it came out two years ago. I’ve updated it to answer questions I’ve received from readers. Enjoy!
Acupuncture treatments almost always use more than one acupoint, but today, I want to highlight one of my favorites. I use the point named Ling Gu (Spirit Bone) in my office every day because it is so effective and has many applications.
This amazing acupuncture point comes from Master Tung, a famous traditional Chinese physician who was known for the miraculous results he obtained using very few needles. Master Tung’s points were a well kept family secret for generations until Master Tung broke with tradition and decided to reveal his secret system of acupuncture to a select group of students. I am very grateful that he did!
Ling Gu is located on the dorsal side of the hand in between the first and second metacarpal bones. The point is found at the V created between these bones and is shown in the photo to the right. While the point is close to Large Intestine 4 (He Gu) it is not the same point.
Ling Gu is probably most famous for its effective and quick relief of low back pain and sciatica. It is quite common for someone to come in with one sided back pain running down their leg and I will needle Ling Gu on the hand which is on the opposite side of the pain. About 75% of the time, the patient will feel relief within minutes! Ling Gu is also used for all types of back pain, menstrual issues, headaches, foot pain, Bell’s Palsy and much more. One thing important thing to note, this point is considered very powerful and is contraindicated in pregnancy.
If you’re an acupuncturist who’s new to to Master Tung, try it out! If you’ve got back pain get some acupuncture!
Comments 6
Hi, i’m a follower and a Acupuncture practitioner. My wife has been suffering recently a sciatic pain. I had applied several techniques that most of the times are very effective but in this time nothing could reduce effectively the pain. Then suddenly I remember about Ling Gu , I put it on the opposite hand and retained and akebane needle, and since then the pain has disappear at least a 90%. That s a really great point. Front this time this point will be in my favourite list point.
Greetings from Canary Islands
Author
Greetings! glad to see you’re putting Ling gu to good use.
I found some useful information in your blog, it was awesome to read, thanks for sharing this great content.
Pain is a warning signal, an alarm that goes off when your body is trying to tell you that something is wrong and out of balance.Acupuncture is a time-tested, safe, effective, natural and drug-free way to eliminate pain.Acupuncture in Ellicott City
Thanks you vey much for sharing
I would like to ask whether this point is usefull for inducción of labour in pregnancy. Thank you
Author
Thanks for the question. Yes it can, this is why it is contraindicated during pregnancy.