T.22.05

Ling Gu

Star

靈骨 (Líng Gǔ) — Spirit Bone

Master Tung's Extraordinary Points · Zone 2 — Palm and Hand (二二部位) · point 22.05

Location

On the dorsum of the hand, between the first and second metacarpal bones, at the junction of the two bones — proximal to LI4, against the angle where the metacarpals meet.

How to locate: Slide proximally from LI4 along the groove between the first and second metacarpals until the finger meets the junction of the two bones.

Needling

Depth: 1.0–1.5 cun, directed toward the wrist along the metacarpal

Angle: Perpendicular to oblique, angled proximally along the shaft of the second metacarpal

⚠ Cautions: Contraindicated in pregnancy — a strong qi-moving point. Use with care in weak or very depleted patients; Tung's texts warn that its qi-moving action can be excessive.

Functions

Moves qi and blood through the whole body
Relieves sciatic, hip and lower back pain
Tonifies qi and raises yang
Regulates the Lung

Indications

Sciatica — the primary indication of the whole systemlow back and hip painhemiplegia and post-stroke weaknessheadache and facial paralysisirregular menstruation and amenorrhoeaimpotencefatigue and low energycough and asthmanasal congestion

In Master Tung's System

Zone: Zone 2 — Palm and Hand (二二部位)

Correspondence: Images the Lung, and through the hand-to-body correspondence the hip, sacrum and the whole sciatic distribution. Tung regarded it as a point that moves qi through the entire body.

Needled as a Dao Ma group with: T.22.04

Clinical Notes

The best-known point in the Tung system. Needled with Da Bai on the side opposite the pain, it is the standard treatment for acute sciatica, and patients are typically asked to move the affected leg while the needles are retained.

Combinations Using This Point

Ling Gu and Da Bai

The best-known pairing in the Tung system — two needles on the opposite hand for sciatica, low back pain and hemiplegia.

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