Acupuncture
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EX-LE-7
Needle Depth
1.5–2.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Lower Leg — Anterior
Location
On the Stomach Channel of the right leg, Lanwei EX-LE-7 is about 2 cun distal to Zusanli ST-36, in the most tender point of that area.
Main Actions
- Promote Qi and Blood circulation in the Large Intestine
- Clear Heat and Toxin-Heat from the Large Intestine
Indications
Commentary
The name of this point is translated to 'Appendix' which implies its functions.
Lanwei EX-LE-7 is very effective in treating both acute and chronic appendicitis.
It often becomes pressure sensitive when the appendix has inflammation. Thus this point can also be used as a diagnosis tool.
Classical Sources
Lanwei EX-LE-7 is a modern extra point (新订穴) discovered in the mid-20th century through the integration of Western and Chinese medicine. It was named for its specific effectiveness in treating appendicitis (阑尾炎). Unlike classical points with ancient textual origins, Lanwei emerged from clinical observation that patients with appendicitis consistently showed tenderness at this location. The point gained recognition during the 1950s-1960s when Chinese practitioners developed acupuncture protocols for acute abdominal conditions, representing an important example of empirical point discovery in modern TCM practice.
How to Locate
Lanwei EX-LE-7 is one of the very few points that only exist on one side of the body. First locate Zusanli ST-36 on the right leg, which is 3 cun inferior to the knee joint space and 1 cun lateral to the anterior crest of the tibia. Lanwei EX-LE-7 is about 2 cun distal to Zusanli ST-36, in the most tender point of that area.
Caution
This point is primarily used on the RIGHT leg for appendicitis-related conditions. Use caution in cases of suspected appendiceal perforation, abscess formation, or peritonitis—these conditions require immediate surgical evaluation. While acupuncture can be helpful for simple appendicitis, complicated cases with adhesion, purulent infection, or perforation should be treated surgically. The point's tenderness in appendicitis has variable diagnostic reliability compared to conventional Western signs like McBurney's point. Always refer suspected acute appendicitis for proper medical evaluation.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Deep
Standard Depth
1.5–2.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–1.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distension and soreness radiating locally around the point. In patients with appendix inflammation, the area is often spontaneously tender and pressure-sensitive. Strong deqi sensation typically achieved with perpendicular insertion, sometimes radiating toward the lower leg or knee area.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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