Liver Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
LR-11
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
Needle Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Thigh — Medial
Location
2 cun inferior to Qichong ST-30 which is on the upper border of the symphysis and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Main Actions
- Regulates menstruation and benefits the Uterus
- Relaxes tendons
Indications
Commentary
Together with Zuwuli LIV-10, they are often used to treat infertility in women.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (針灸甲乙經 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): Lists Yinlian among the Liver channel points on the medial thigh, indicating its use for disorders of the lower abdomen and reproductive organs.
Qianjin Yaofang (千金要方 - Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): Mentions the point for treating women's menstrual disorders and leukorrhea, establishing its gynecological applications.
Name Interpretation: The name 阴廉 (Yīn Lián) means "Yin Corner" or "Yin Modesty" - "Yin" refers to the medial (inner) aspect and the point's location near the private areas; "Lian" (廉) means edge or corner, describing its position at the edge of the thigh near the groin.
How to Locate
Flex the adductors by pressing feet against each other. Locate LIV-11 2 cun inferior to the upper border of the pubic symphysis and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline.
Caution
This point is located in the groin region near the femoral vessels and nerves. Caution is required due to proximity to the medial circumflex femoral artery and vein, the femoral nerve's medial cutaneous branch, and deeper obturator nerve branches. Avoid the saphenous vein in this area. Use gentle insertion and ensure patient comfort, as this is a sensitive area. Pregnancy caution is advised due to its strong influence on the Chong and Ren vessels and reproductive organs.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5-1.5 cun. Caution: great saphenous vein, femoral artery/nerve. Better use moxibustion than needling.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local aching and distension, with possible radiation to the medial thigh and toward the knee. Some patients may feel sensation spreading toward the lower abdomen or genital region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians