Heding Point (EX-LE2 / Crane's Crown)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Heding (EX-LE2 / Crane's Crown). Learn its benefits for knee pain, leg weakness, paralysis, and rheumatoid knee arthritis – the extraordinary point for knee health – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Frees and benefits the joints, relaxs the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, strengthens the lumbar region and knees. Treats knee pain, leg and foot weakness, paralysis, knee joint swelling and pain, rheumatoid knee arthritis, lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome, and hemiplegia.
Precise Location
On the upper knee, in the depression above the midpoint of the patellar base.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine with the knee flexed. Locate the point in the depression above the midpoint of the upper edge of the patella.
Massage Method
Press and knead with the thumb pad for 3–5 minutes per session, 1–2 times daily – a local sore-distending sensation is optimal. Coordinate with knee flexion and extension exercises to enhance joint benefits. Mild-warm moxa may also be applied for 10–15 minutes per point. Therapeutic actions: Frees and benefits the joints, relaxs the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, strengthens the lumbar region and knees.
Compatibility
Knee pain and knee joint swelling: Combine with Neixiyan (EX-LE4), Waixiyan (EX-LE5), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Liangqiu (ST-34). Leg and foot weakness and lower limb flaccidity: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Xuanzhong (GB-39). Paralysis and hemiplegia: Combine with Huantiao (GB-30), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Quchi (LI-11). Rheumatoid knee arthritis: Combine with Xiyan (EX-LE4, EX-LE5), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Yinlingquan (SP-9).
Efficacy & Actions
This is an extraordinary point located in the depression above the midpoint of the patellar base on the upper knee. It frees and benefits the joints, relaxs the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, and strengthens the lumbar region and knees. It is a commonly used key point for treating knee joint disorders. First documented in the Zhenjiu Jicheng (Compendium of Acupuncture). "He" refers to the crane; "Ding" means crown or top. Located above the patella on the upper knee – when the knee is flexed, the depression above the patella resembles the crown of a crane – hence the name Heding (Crane's Crown). Heding is an experienced effective point for treating knee joint disorders, with good therapeutic effects on knee pain, knee weakness, and paralysis. It is often combined with Xiyan (EX-LE4, EX-LE5), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Liangqiu (ST-34).
Contraindications
Located above the knee – needling depth and angle should be carefully controlled, generally 0.5–1 cun obliquely, avoiding deep insertion. Moxibustion is permissible. Use with caution in pregnant women.
