In acupuncture, which nerve is cautioned against at LI-11?

LI-11, also known as Quchi, is an important acupuncture point located at the lateral end of the elbow crease. When needling this point, practitioners must exercise caution to avoid injuring nearby nerves. The radial nerve runs in close proximity to LI-11, making it the nerve most commonly cautioned against when treating this point.

The radial nerve is responsible for motor and sensory functions in the arm and forearm, and inadvertent injury can lead to complications, including weakness in wrist extension and loss of sensation in the back of the hand. This emphasizes the need for careful needle placement and technique to ensure patient safety while still obtaining the therapeutic effects of acupuncture.

A thorough understanding of the anatomy around the acupuncture points, including the relationship with major nerves, is essential for practitioners to avoid adverse effects during treatment.