LI4 He Gu (合谷) Dog Acupuncture Point
In dogs, LI4 (He Gu, 合谷) is a point on the Large Intestine meridian. It is located between 1st and 2nd metacarpals (vet: radial midpoint of 2nd metacarpal). Traditional indications in this chart include pain, fever, constipation.
This page is educational. It describes a point in dogs as listed in traditional charts and does not give treatment advice. Points should be needled only by trained veterinary professionals. See our Medical Disclaimer.
Quick facts
- Species
- Dog
- Point code
- LI4
- Pinyin
- He Gu
- Chinese name
- 合谷
- Meridian
- Large Intestine
- Element or system
- Metal
- Point category and notes
- Yuan-Source; One of Four Command Points; Key analgesic point
Where is LI4 He Gu on a dog?
Between 1st and 2nd metacarpals (vet: 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 disorders
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 dogs.
Dog conditions that mention LI4 He Gu
PetAcu dog condition guides that name this point:
Points often discussed alongside LI4 He Gu
These points appear in the same dog condition guides. A practitioner chooses a combination for each dog.
Safety notes
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Needle depth, angle and technique depend on the point, the size of the dog and its condition.
Some owners are shown gentle acupressure by their veterinarian. Do not press on a painful area, and stop if your dog shows pain, guarding or anxiety. If your dog suddenly cannot walk or is in severe pain, see a veterinarian immediately.
Questions about LI4 He Gu
Where is LI4 He Gu on a dog?
Between 1st and 2nd metacarpals (vet: 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 veterinary acupuncture?
The source chart lists pain, fever, constipation, facial disorders as traditional indications. This is traditional use and not proof of effect.
Can I use LI4 He Gu at home?
Needling should only be done by a trained veterinary professional. Gentle acupressure is sometimes shown by veterinarians, so ask yours first, especially if your dog is in pain, has a spinal problem or has not been examined.
Learn more and next steps
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Guides to common dog conditions and the points commonly discussed for them.
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Other Large Intestine points with guides
Species: dog. Point data compiled by PetAcu from the Canine Acupuncture Points reference charts. Back to the dog acupuncture points chart or the veterinary acupuncture points atlas.