Liver Meridian
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LR-8
Water-Shui
Sea-He Point
Needle Depth
1.0-1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Knee, Thigh — Medial
Location
On the medial aspect of the knee join. Flex the knee and locate the point above the medial end of the popliteal crease, posterior to the medial condyle of the tibia, on the anterior border of the insertion of semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscle, about 1 cun anterior to Yingu KID-10.
Main Actions
- Benefits the Bladder, genitals and Uterus
- Clears Dampness from the Lower Burner
- Invigorate Blood and regulate menstruation
- Nourishes Liver Blood
Indications
Commentary
Ququan LIV-8 is mainly used to clear the Damp-Heat or Damp-Cold that obstructs the Lower Burner. The typical manifestations are urinary retention, turbid and burning urine as well as vaginal discharge and itching.
It can also treat Uterus Blood Stagnation, which can cause abdominal masses and various mensuration issues such as painful periods or amenorrhea.
It is also able to nourish Liver Blood with Tonifying Needling method.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (靈樞), Chapter 2 "Ben Shu" (本輸): First described the location of Ququan as "below the auxiliary bone, above the large tendon, obtained when the knee is flexed" (輔骨之下，大筋之上也，屈膝而得之).
Jia Yi Jing (針灸甲乙經): Documented Ququan as the He-Sea and Water point of the Liver channel, noting its use for treating abdominal pain, urinary problems, genital disorders, and knee pain.
Zhen Jiu Da Cheng (針灸大成): Expanded on indications including nocturnal emission, impotence, uterine prolapse, and lower abdominal masses.
How to Locate
Flex the knee to locate the popliteal crease and identify the tendon of semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscle. The semitendinosus is more prominent while semimembranosus is harder to identify as it lies deeper. Glide a finger from the tendon of semimembranosus towards the patella and feel the depression between muscle below about 1 cun after. Locate LIV-8 anterior to both tendons.
Caution
The great saphenous vein runs nearby; avoid damaging it during needling. If pulsation is felt during insertion, stop and redirect the needle. Some patients are highly sensitive at this point - use gentle, quick insertion technique. The area near the popliteal crease contains the medial superior genicular artery.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0-1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5-1.5 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Deqi typically felt as distension and soreness at the medial knee, often radiating up the medial thigh. Some patients are quite sensitive at this point due to its location near an erogenous zone, requiring gentle but firm technique.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10-20 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Five Element & Transporting Classification
Five Phase
Water-Shui
Transporting Type
Sea-He Point
Mother-Child Role
Mother (Tonifying)
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