Ligou LR5 : Nomenclature, Location, Functions, Indications

Nomenclature:

Li: shell Gou: groove
The external shape of the gastrocnemius muscle looks like a shell and the point is in the groove, medial and anterior to it.

Point: LR-5
Chinese Name:蠡溝
Pinyin:lǐ gōu
English Name/Meaning: Woodworm Channel
Han Geul 한글: yeo gu 여구
Romaji: rei kō
Vietnamese: Lãi câu

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.

Functions:

• Spreads Liver Qi and regulates the Qi.
• Clears damp heat in lower burner.
• Eliminates ‘plum-pit’ Qi.
• Moves Qi locally.

Indications of Ligou:

• Disorders of Liver meridian:
  • Rebellious of Qi: Swollen of genitals and hernia
  • Excess: Persistent erection
  • Deficiency: Sudden itching of genitals
• Reproductive system problems:
  • Female: irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea.
  • Male: seminal emission, premature ejaculation, loss of libido.
• Urinary Problems: retention of urine, enuresis, dribbling.
• Treating disorders in regions reached by the luo-connecting channel: (the Liver luo- connecting channel ascends to the genitals) the primary point on the channel to treat a wide variety of disorders affecting genitals area.
• Treating psycho-emotional disorders: plum-pit Qi in the throat, depression, fright palpitations, fear and fright, worried oppression.

Method:

• Perpendicular insertion 0.5 to 1 cun.
• Oblique insertion directed proximally towards the abdomen, 1 to 2 cun.

Remarks:

• Point of choice for Lower Burner (urinary, genital) problems.
• Can be used to suppress sexual desire.
• Luo Connecting Point.

Read about other points of Liver Meridian:

LR1-Dadun-大敦   LR2-Xingjian-行间    LR3-Taichong-太冲    LR4-Zhongfeng-中封      LR6-Zhongdu-中都   LR7-Xiguan-膝关    LR8-Ququan-曲泉    LR9-Yinbao- 阴包   LR10-Zuwuli-足五里    LR11-Yinlian-阴廉    LR12-Jimai-急脉    LR13-Zhangmen-章门    LR14-Qimen-期门