Atlas of Acupuncture

4 Acupuncture Points of the Twelve Primary Channels

Location

With the knee flexed, LIV-8is located directly proximal to the

medial end of the popliteal crease, in a depression anterior to the

tendons of the semitendinosus and semimembranosus muscles.

How to find

LIV-8is best located with the patient’s knee flexed and slight

external rotation of the hip. First, palpate the prominent, ropey

tendon of the semitendinosus muscle, which becomes more pro-

nounced with the knee flexed. The tendon of the semimembra-

nosus muscle lies deep to the semitendinosus and is often more

difficult to isolate. With the palpating finger, glide from the ten-

don of the semitendinosus towards the patella. Approximately

after 1 cun, you can feel a depression between the muscle bel-

lies. LIV-8is located anterior to both tendons. Some authors

locate LIV-81 cun superior and anterior to ➞KID-10. Sensi-

tivity to pressure should determine the location.

➞KID-10is located approximately 1 cun in the direction of the

popliteal crease and, from a medial perspective, posterior to the

tendon of the semimembranosus and anterior to the tendon of

the semitendinosus.

Needling

Vertically 0.5–1.5 cun

Actions/Indications

● Clears and eliminates Dampness and Damp-Heat from the

Lower Burner (major action), benefits the genitals and the

Uterus

● Nourishes Blood and Yin

● Moves Qi locally

Special features

he-sea point, Water point, tonification point.

LIV-8 Spring at the Crook QUQUAN

LIV-8

Gracilis

Sartorius

Semi-

membranosus

Semi-

tendinosus

KID-10

Tendon of the semitendinosus

(most prominent tendon)

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