Acupuncture
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EX-LE-1
Needle Depth
0.5–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Thigh — Anterior
Location
This is a group of 2 points 2 cun superior to the patella and 1.5 cun lateral and medial to Liangqiu ST-34.
Main Actions
- Reduces pain
Indications
Knee pain
Knee swelling
Knee redness
Leg pain
Leg weakness
Post-stroke paralysis (lower limb)
Lower limb atrophy
Difficulty walking
Thigh pain
Knee joint stiffness
Bi syndrome of the knee
Wind-damp obstruction of lower limbs
Commentary
Kuangu EX-LE-1 is not a major Extra point. Its name function is to reducing pain of the local area.
Classical Sources
《针灸大成》Zhēnjiǔ Dàchéng (Great Compendium of Acupuncture and Moxibustion):
"髋骨：四穴，在梁丘两旁，各开一寸五分，两足共四穴。治腿痛，灸七壮。"
Translation: "Kuangu: Four points, located 1.5 cun lateral and medial to Liangqiu [ST-34], making four points total on both legs. Treats leg pain. Apply 7 cones of moxibustion."
How to Locate
First locate Liangqiu ST-34 in a depression on the vastus lateralis muscle, 2 cun superior to the upper border of the patella. From ST-34, measure 1.5 cun in a lateral and medial direction and locate the two points of Kuangu EX-LE-1.
Caution
Kuangu EX-LE-1 actually consists of two paired points per leg (four points total on both legs), located 1.5 cun medial and 1.5 cun lateral to ST-34 Liangqiu. Both the medial and lateral points should be needled together for optimal therapeutic effect. Avoid deep perpendicular needling if inserting toward neurovascular structures. The oblique needling technique toward the knee (15° angle, up to 1.8 cun) requires careful anatomical awareness.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–1.5 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness around the point radiating toward the knee. Some patients may feel warmth or heaviness spreading down the thigh. When needled obliquely toward the knee at 15°, the sensation may extend more strongly into the knee joint area.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes; or 7 cones of direct moxa
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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