LI-12 - Elbow Crevice

肘髎 - Zhǒu liáo

Point Region: Elbow

LI

Large Intestine Meridian

手阳明大肠经 - Shǒu Yángmíng Dàcháng Jīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the back and outer side of the elbow, above the bony bump on the outer elbow (the lateral epicondyle of the humerus), just in front of the bony ridge running up from it.

How to Locate:

  1. Find the bony bump on the outer side of your elbow
  2. Feel the ridge of bone running up the arm from it
  3. The point is just above the bump, in front of that ridge
LI-12 (Elbow Crevice) acupressure point location: On the back and outer side of the elbow, above the bony bump on the outer elbow (the lateral epicondyle of the humerus), just in front of the bony ridge running up from it.

How to Apply Pressure

Once LI-12 is identified, rest a fingertip there with gentle, comfortable pressure; do not dig against the elbow bone. Skip it after recent elbow surgery, a serious elbow injury, or an acute joint infection.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Elbow pain
  • Arm numbness
  • Motor impairment
  • Elbow stiffness
  • Arm weakness
  • Joint problems
  • Movement difficulties

Related Health Concerns

Fatigue

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Recent elbow surgery
  • Severe elbow injury
  • Acute joint infection