[A brief discussion on theoretical basis and clinical application of "treatment of orofacial diseases by using Hegu(LI4)"].

In traditional Chinese medicine, the well-known saying that "in the treatment of disorders of the orofacial region, Hegu(LI4)is usually taken" is a highly summary of functions of acupoint LI4, the Yuan-primary point of the Large Intestine Meridian of Hand Yangming. By consulting the related literature and viewing from the angle of differentiation of meridians, the present paper expounded the characteristics of location, the attributed meridian and clinical functions of LI4, and summarized its underlying mechanisms in the treatment of some orofacial disorders revealed by experimental researches. In addition, some examples of clinical application of LI4 were listed, including peripheral facial palsy, oral diseases, problems of the nose and headache.