Needling LI-3 to LI-4,5 (Large Intestine): Balance Method Threading Demo
This is how you clear an entire area in one move. Threading from (Large Intestine) LI-3 to LI-4,5 mirrors a whole pathway on the foot or hand for that "instant release" your patients are looking for.
Quick Stats
Video Duration: 29 seconds
Key Conditions: Foot pain, leg pain, arm pain, hand pain, belly pain, deep back pain, facial pain
Alternative Names: Sanjian to Hegu threading
Balance Method LI-3 to LI-4,5 Logic
Look, here's the deal: sometimes a single needle at LI-4 doesn't cover the whole "pain zone." By threading from LI-3 toward LI-4,5, you are mirroring the entire anatomical stretch. This area covers the Stomach, Kidney, Lung, and Liver channels through the 5 Systems, ensuring you don't miss a single spot.
Large Intestine Thread Through needling demo . Dr. Tan Balance Method Acupuncture.
LI-3 to LI-4 Treatment Applications (Systems 1-6)
By threading these points, you amplify the results.
(See why to use this on the Large Intestine channel in The Balance Method Notebook—grab it here for the complete breakdown.)
System 1: Stomach (St)
Treats: Opposite side foot, facial pain, belly pain, chest pain, leg pain
System 2: Liver (Liv)
Treats: Either side foot pain, belly pain, torso pain, leg pain
System 3: Lung (Lu)
Treats: Opposite side hand pain, arm pain
System 4: Kidney (Kid)
Treats: Either side foot pain, belly pain, chest pain, leg pain
System 5: Stomach (St)
Treats: Opposite side foot, facial pain, belly pain, chest pain, leg pain
System 6: Large Intestine (Li)
Treats: Either side hand pain, facial pain, arm pain
Balance Method Threading Protocol
Here's the step-by-step for this advanced "Master" move.
Location
Start at LI-3 (distal to the 2nd metacarpal head) and direct the needle proximally along the bone toward LI-4,5.
Pro Tip
Keep the needle parallel to the bone to ensure you stay within the meridian; you can put your finger along the bone to follow it.
Which Side
Always needle the opposite side of the pain (contra-lateral) if you are treating an odd (number) system.
Depth (ASS)
Follow the ASS principle:
Is it an area you want to cover? Use a thread through.
Is it a specific point or single location? Use a specific point or location.
Retention
Always leave the needles for 45 minutes.
Immediate Check
Have the patient move their foot or hand immediately. If they don't feel a 50%+ reduction, your angle or depth is off
Dr. Tan Mississippi in the Balance Method Notebook
What You'll See (Expected Results)
Immediate Results: A "release" or a significant drop in pain intensity within seconds.
1-3 Sessions: Acute pain should stabilize or disappear.
4-7 Sessions: The timeframe for resolving chronic, deep-seated structural pain.
FAQ?
Q: Why thread instead of two needles?
Efficiency: One needle covers the "bridge" between several points, mirroring the exact anatomy of the pain using fewer (here just one) needles.
Q: How fast are the results?
Immediate: This technique covers an area that single-point needling can't touch.
Q: How many sessions?
1-3 sessions for acute sprains; 4-7 sessions for chronic instability.
Watch Out For (Safety & Mistakes)
Metacarpal Bone: Don't scrape the bone; it's painful. Stay right next to it.
Pregnancy: CAUTION. LI-4 (and this threading) is strongly contraindicated in pregnancy (in certain areas of the world).
Common Mistake: Not directing the needle far enough.
Want More?
Full Balance Method Notebook: Why Dr. Tan used threading techniques (link here)
Full in-depth explanation of threading techniques
Watch also:Needling Dr. Tan's KID-3 (perfect for deep back pain)
New to the Balance Method?
Start with the basics in our complete guide or master the system through official training with the direct students of Dr. Tan.
To get clinical results like this every day, join our Global Community to discuss cases with experts, and grab your copy of The Balance Method Notebook to unlock every treatment combination.
Thread. Check immediately. Expect 50%+ reduction. Drop your results below in the comments!
