Zhangmen LR13 : Nomenclature, Location, Function, Indication

Nomenclature:

Zhang: screen          Men: Door
Zhangmen is below the hypochondrium, which acts like a screen for the internal organs.

Location:

On the lower border of the free end of 11th floating rib.

Functions:

• Promotes smooth flow of Liver Qi (removes qi stagnation and regulates liver qi ).
• Quickens blood and transforms blood stasis (hypochondriac pain, enlarged liver and spleen).
• Relieves food retention and food stagnation ( strengthens and warms the spleen, helps in digestion, transforming dampness).

Indications of zhangmen:

Zhangmen is beneficial for liver and gallbladder problems:pain in the hypochondriac region, jaundice; Abdominal distention, diarrhea, vomiting.

Method:

Puncture obliquely 0.5-0.8 cun.

Remarks:

Front-Mu Point of the spleen. One of the Eight Influential points ( Zang-organs convergence).
Crossing Point of the channels of Foot –Jueyin and Foot –Shaoyang.

Precautions:

Deep perpendicular needling may damage an enlarged liver (R) or spleen (L).

Read about other points of Liver Meridian:

LR1-Dadun-大敦   LR2-Xingjian-行间    LR3-Taichong-太冲    LR4-Zhongfeng-中封    LR5-Ligou-蠡沟    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    LR14-Qimen-期门