Translating "合谷", acupuncture point LI-4
The reasoning for translating "合谷" as "Closed Valley" from Chinese into English. This is the original name of acupuncture point LI-4 (Large Intestine 4).
Explanation of the point name
The shape of the thumb and the tissue underneath the index finger next to it is like a valley that is closed on one side.
Also, the effect of this point is to enable a person a way out of a situation that is like a closed valley.
1st character
Point names with 合
For consistency in the translations, it is necessary to be aware of how the character is translated elsewhere. These are the point names it is in.
| LI-4 | 合谷 | Closed Valley |
| BL-55 | 合陽 | Junction of Yang |
2nd character
Point names with 谷
For consistency in the translations, it is necessary to be aware of how the character is translated elsewhere. These are the point names it is in.
| LI-4 | 合谷 | Closed Valley |
| ST-43 | 陷谷 | Trapped in the Valley |
| SP-7 | 漏谷 | Leaking Valley |
| SI-2 | 前谷 | In Front of the Valley |
| SI-5 | 陽谷 | Yang Valley |
| BL-66 | 足通谷 | Walking Through the Valley |
| KI-2 | 然谷 | Burning Valley |
| KI-10 | 陰谷 | Yin Valley |
| KI-20 | 腹通谷 | On the Belly Through the Valley |
| GB-8 | 率谷 | Follow the Valley |
Nearby points
Sometimes the names of consecutive points on a meridian are related. Being aware of nearby points can help to translate consistently in such a situation.
| LI-1 | 商陽 | Yang Exchanges |
| LI-2 | 二間 | Second Space |
| LI-3 | 三間 | Third Space |
| LI-4 | 合谷 | Closed Valley |
| LI-5 | 陽谿 | Yang Valley Stream |
| LI-6 | 偏歴 | Veering Passage |
| LI-7 | 溫溜 | Warm Drops |