Location

on the radial side of the tendon of flexor carpi ulnaris, 1 cun proximal to Shenmen.

Needling

perpendicular insertion 1/3 to 1/2 inch.

moxa is OK

Actions

Calms the spirit
Regulates Heart rhythm
Benefits the Tongue
Alleviates pain in the channel.

Signs and Symptoms

palpitations, dizziness, blurring of vision, sore throat, sudden loss of voice, aphasia with tongue stiffness, pain in the wrist and elbow.

Commentary

Tongli is one of Ma Dan-Yang's Eleven (Later 12) Heavenly Star Points, which are presented as the 12 most important points in all of Acupuncture.

Tongli was recommended for 'inability to speak despite the desire to do so, vexation, anger, pounding palpitations in the chest, heaviness of the 4 limbs, flushed cheeks and face. As well, Tongli is recommended for inability to eat, sudden loss of voice, and a blank staring face.

Tongli's principal actions are 1. to calm the spirit and 2. strengthen Heart Qi.

In TCM it is a long-standing belief that the Heart houses the Mind (or spirit). Tongli has a very strong action on calming the mind and emotions, clearing the Mind, and freeing up the tongue to facilitate effective communication. But more than just calming the mind, it has the effect of vitalizing the spirit and activating the mind leading to clear and quick thinking.

The Heart channel connects directly with the root of the tongue, so any speech pathology having to do with speech can be effectively treated with Tongli.

Tongli has the ability to treat psycho-emotional disorders, especially emotional disorders. It is said the 7 emotions injure their respective organs but they all affect the Heart.

The 7 emotions and their related organs are;

1. Fear (chronic) and 2. Fright (acute) - Kidneys, 3. Worry/Overthinking - Spleen, 4. Anger - Liver, 5. Joy - Heart, 6. Grief (acute) and 7. Sadness (chronic).

According to TCM theory, long-standing emotional disharmony is a primary cause of disease. Tongli has the unique ability to harmonise all emotions and supports the idea that the Heart is at the centre of things, not just at the physical level.

Tongli is indicated in all types of palpiations whether due to fright, Qi defciency, or Fire.

According to an old chinese saying, 'The Heart sprouts forth in the tongue.' The Heart is closely related to the tongue and hence Tongli's ability to treat loss of voice, loss of speech, stuttering and most other speech pathologies.

Finally, the Heart channel is interiorly/exteriorly related to the Small Intestine Channel and thence to the Urinary Bladder. This explains Tongli's effectiveness at treating bedwetting (Enuresis). Bedwetting in the popular mind has long been associated with emotional disharmony and especially the presence of fear. This then, may explain why Tongli is so effective as it treats both at the physical and emotional levels.