VIP acupuncture points: LI4 & Buddha’s Triangle (L9, H7 and PC6).

LI4 Large Intestine 4 (He gu 合谷 = Joining Valley) and PC6 Pericardium 6 (Nei guan 內關 = Inner Pass or Inside the Gateway) are well-known acupoints for relieving bodily and oro-facial discomfort, pain and anxiety. He-Gu means Joined Valley (union) in Chinese and is located on the back of your hand, between where your thumb and index finger meet. These acupoints are very frequently used for pain control and pain relief, from orofacial region to different parts of the body. They are part of the “VIP points” on your hand(s), which consists of a very important junction located between your hand and forearm, known as the Buddha’s triangle. This ancient triangle, by utilizing correctly, can help you to achieve a calming effect, lower anxiety and lower depression. Buddha’s triangle is located on the palm side of the wrist.

The base of the triangle goes along the crease of the wrist and starts at the point below the radial side of the thumb, which is called Lung 9 (known as Taiyuan 太淵= Great Abyss or deep pool), to the point below the ulnar side of the depression, the little finger, known as Heart 7 (Shen men 神門 = spirit gate) toward the top point of the triangle (3 fingers distanced towards your elbow in the mid-line of the forearm) called Pericardium 6 (Nei guan 內關= inner gate, path). These three points (L 9, H 7 & PC 6) make up what is the Buddha’s triangle and can be useful in a dental and medical setting to ease the anxiety for patients to achieve a better patient-experience.  

You can activate these three acupoints through a variety of methods:

• Acupressure,
• Acupuncture and
• Photoacupuncture by inducing red and infrared light-waves (PBM Light, Plus and Pro).

Especially with photoacupuncture, you are likely to achieve a more balanced inner state, calmness and decrease stress and anxiety with repeated use over time. Each acupoint has a special function: For example, the PC 6 (Pericardium 6, Inside the gateway) is commonly used to control carsickness, sea sickness and prevent gagging during dental procedures. The H 7 (Heart 7, the spirit gate) is known to help with insomnia and depression. L 9 (Lung 9, Great abyss, deep pool) meanwhile, promotes peaceful breathing and circulation. When you activate the triangle, give at least 30 seconds to 3 minutes on each point (and repeat as much as needed). It is recommended to gently press the light device against the acupoints, while performing a sweeping (rotating) motion to achieve best effect. When combining Buddha’s Triangle with the PBM light energy, the light is absorbed at cellular level which then energizes the body and gradually leads to beneficial healing and recovery. This process when applying light energy to the acupoints is known as PhotoAcupuncture (PhotoBioModulation + Acupuncture) and will promote Qi flow and greatly emphasize the healing benefits.  This unique combination of acupoints has been used almost since the beginning of time. It has for centuries contributed to people’s longevity and good health in the far east. Therefore, continuing its tradition with a modern edge in a western setting is an innovative way to promote the benefits of Chinese medicine (Acupuncture) together with PBMT (PhotobioModulation Light Therapy) as PhotoAcupuncture.