Liver Meridian
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LR-14
Exit Point
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Hypochondrium, Chest
Location
On the mammillary line, two ribs below the nipple, in the 6th intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the midline. Please note that there is an alternative location for LIV-14 at the lower edge of the ribcage in line with the nipple or, in women, 4 cun from the midline. In fact, one could look upon these as two separate points. The one in the intercostal space is used more for Channel problems. While the one at the lower edge of the ribcage is used more for Organ problems.
Main Actions
- Invigorates Liver Qi
- Harmonizes the Liver and Stomach
Indications
Commentary
LIV-14 and LIV-13 is quite similar in terms of functions, as they both treat Liver Qi Stagnation. However, the LIV-14 is more on harmonizing the Liver and Stomach Qi, while LIV-13 is rather on harmonizing the Liver and Spleen. The pulse is typically Wiry on both middle positions.
When the rebellious Liver Qi invades the Stomach, it gives rise to symptoms like belching, nausea, vomiting, hiccupping, and hypochondrial distension and pain.
Classical Sources
Shang Han Lun (傷寒論): "When there is Cold Damage with abdominal fullness and delirious speech, and the cun-kou pulse is floating and tight, this is the Liver overwhelming the Spleen, called 'vertical invasion' (zong) - needle Qimen." Also: "When there is Cold Damage with fever and slight chills... the Liver overwhelming the Lungs, called 'horizontal invasion' (heng) - needle Qimen." For heat entering the Blood Chamber: "Women with Wind Strike, fever and chills, menstruation just arriving... with delirious speech, this is heat entering the Blood Chamber, needle Qimen."
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (針灸甲乙經): "Meeting point of Foot Taiyin, Foot Jueyin, and Yin Wei Mai. Treats cough, accumulation and gathering below the ribs, panting counterflow, inability to sleep peacefully, alternating chills and fever."
Tong Ren Shu Xue Zhen Jiu Tu Jing (銅人腧穴針灸圖經): "Treats vexation heat in the chest, Running Piglet moving up and down, green eyes with vomiting, cholera and diarrhea, hard and firm abdomen, great panting with inability to rest, accumulation of Qi below the ribs."
How to Locate
The nipple is usually located on the 4th intercostal space. From there, palpate downward 2 intercostal space and locate LIV-14 in the 6th intercostal.
Caution
This point overlies the pleural cavity and organs. The right side is near the liver, and the left side is near the stomach. Deep perpendicular needling risks pneumothorax. Always needle obliquely or transversely along the intercostal space to a maximum depth of 0.5-0.8 cun. Control needle angle and depth carefully to avoid puncturing the lung or underlying organs. Not recommended for deep needling under any circumstances.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
Obliquely 0.5-1 cun, either in a lateral or medial direction. The latter is more recommended for breasts symptoms. Caution: Pneumothorax
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the point. Sensation may radiate toward the posterior abdominal wall or spread along the intercostal space. Some patients experience a deep ache that extends toward the hypochondrium or epigastric region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Recommended
Gua Sha
Questionable
Special Point Classifications
Exit Point
Organ & Tissue Associations
Front-Mu Point for:
Liver
Related Resources
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