LI4 He Gu (合谷) Cat Acupuncture Point
In cats, LI4 (He Gu, 合谷) is a feline acupuncture point on the Large Intestine meridian. It is located between 1st and 2nd metacarpals, radial midpoint of 2nd metacarpal. Traditional indications in this chart include pain, fever, constipation.
This page is educational. It describes a point in cats as listed in traditional charts and does not give treatment advice. Points should be needled only by trained veterinary professionals, and cats are small and sensitive. See our Medical Disclaimer.
Avoid in pregnant cats. The source chart lists this point as one to avoid in pregnancy. Tell any practitioner if your cat is or may be pregnant.
Quick facts
- Species
- Cat
- Point code
- LI4
- Pinyin
- He Gu
- English name
- Joining Valley
- Chinese name
- 合谷
- Meridian
- Large Intestine
- Element or system
- Metal
- Needle depth listed (practitioners only)
- 0.2 to 0.3 cm
- Point category
- Yuan-Source; One of Four Command Points
Needle depths are shallow because cats are small. They are shown for reference and are not instructions for owners.
Where is LI4 He Gu on a cat?
Between 1st and 2nd metacarpals, radial midpoint of 2nd metacarpal.
Point locations are approximate and vary with breed and body size. A trained practitioner finds the point by feeling anatomical landmarks.
Traditional indications
- Pain
- fever
- constipation
- facial paralysis
- allergy
- immune modulation
Indications are taken from traditional veterinary acupuncture charts. They describe how the point has been used and are not proof that it treats these conditions in cats.
Cat conditions that mention LI4 He Gu
PetAcu cat condition guides that name this point:
Points often discussed alongside LI4 He Gu
These feline acupuncture points appear in the same cat condition guides. A practitioner chooses a combination for each cat.
Safety notes
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Cats are small and sensitive, and shallow needling and short sessions are usual. Needle depth, angle and technique depend on the point and on the size and condition of the cat. Note from the source chart: Avoid in pregnant cats. Commonly used in pain and anti-inflammatory prescriptions.
Never apply pressure or heat to a painful area on a cat. If your cat suddenly cannot use the back legs, is breathing with an open mouth, or is straining to urinate, see a veterinarian immediately.
Questions about LI4 He Gu
Where is LI4 He Gu on a cat?
Between 1st and 2nd metacarpals, radial midpoint of 2nd metacarpal. Locations are approximate and are found by palpation by a trained practitioner.
What is LI4 He Gu used for in feline acupuncture?
The source chart lists pain, fever, constipation, facial paralysis, allergy, immune modulation as traditional indications. This is traditional use and not proof of effect.
Can I use LI4 He Gu as a cat acupressure point at home?
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Gentle pressure is sometimes shown by veterinarians, so ask yours first, especially if your cat is unwell, in pain or has not been examined.
Learn more and next steps
Printable point cards and atlas
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Guides to common cat conditions and the points commonly discussed for them.
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Other Large Intestine acupuncture points for cats
Species: cat. Point data compiled by PetAcu from small-animal acupuncture textbooks and TCVM references (feline chapters). Back to the cat acupuncture points chart or the veterinary acupuncture points atlas.