Atlas of Acupuncture

4.12 The Liver Channel System – Foot jueyin(zu jue yin jing luo)

Location

On the medial aspect of the lower leg, 5 cun proximal to the

highest prominence of the medial malleolus, just posterior to

the medial crest of the tibia, between the crest of the tibia and the

gastrocnemius muscle.

How to find

First, locate the highest prominence of the medial malleolus

(➞3.6.2). From there, palpate 5 cun in a proximal direction and

there locate LIV-5 in a depression directly posterior to the

medial crest of the tibia. Or quick method:Divide the distance

between the medial end of the popliteal crease and the highest

prominence of the medial malleolus (
approximately 15 cun,

➞2.2) into thirds and locate LIV-5a third of the distance from

the medial malleolus. Note: Some texts locate LIV-5 onthe

tibia, others on the posteriorborder of the tibia; sensitivity to

pressure should be the determining factor. ➞KID-9is located

on the same level but directly superior to ➞KID-3(between the

medial malleolus and the Achilles tendon).

Needling

0.5–1 cun vertically or obliquely in a posterior direction towards

the fibula or transversely (subcutaneously) along the tibia

towards the abdomen.

Actions/Indications

● Regulates Liver Qi, benefits the genitals, clears Damp-Heat

from the Lower Burner, regulates menstruation

● Eliminates ‘plum-pit’ Qi

● Moves Qi locally

Special features

Luo-connecting point. Important distal point for the urogenital

region (especially with Liver Qi stagnation and Damp-Heat).

Woodworm Canal LIGOU LIV-5

Highest prominence of

the medial malleolus

LIV-5

3 cun

Tibia

2 cun

(^2) / 3
(^1) / 3
15 cun
Highest
prominence
of the medial
malleolus
LIV-5
3 cun
KID-7
KID-3
LIV-5 KID-9
5 cun
3 cun
2 cun
LIV-5
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