Liver Meridian
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LR-13
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Hypochondrium
Location
On the lateral side of the abdomen, below the free end of the 11th rib.
Main Actions
- Invigorates Liver Qi
- Harmonizes the Liver an Spleen
Indications
Commentary
Zhangmen LIV-13 is often used to treat Liver Qi Stagnation. Typically, the pulse is Wiry on the left and Weak on the right.
LIV-13 can be used to strengthen the Spleen as well as harmonize the Liver and Spleen together.
The Rebellious Liver Qi may then invade the Stomach and the Spleen and make the Qi in these two Organs to go the opposite direction as they should. For example, Rebellious Spleen Qi can cause loose stools, diarrhoea and abdominal distension. Rebellious Stomach Qi gives rise to undigested food in the stools, belching, and epigastric distension.
Finally, it treats Spleen Yang Deficiency, especially if moxibustion is used in additional to needling.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): The earliest systematic text recording Zhangmen LR-13 as a point on the Liver channel, noting its location at the free end of the 11th rib.
Nan Jing (Classic of Difficulties): Identifies Zhangmen as the Hui-Meeting Point of the Zang (五脏之会), where the Qi of the five Yin organs gathers, making it essential for tonifying all Zang organs.
Ling Shu (Spiritual Pivot): References Zhangmen in the context of treating abdominal disorders and harmonizing the relationship between Liver and Spleen.
How to Locate
Press the flexed elbow at 90 degree against the lateral aspect of the thorax, so that the tip of the olecranon points to the free end of the 11th rib. Or palpate along the lower border of the rib cage until finding the free end of the 11th rib. LIV-13 is located on its anterior and inferior border.
Caution
The right lobe of the liver lies beneath this point on the right side; the lower end of the spleen lies deep on the left side. In patients with hepatomegaly or splenomegaly, deep needling is strictly contraindicated to prevent organ puncture. Always palpate carefully and adjust needle depth according to body type—shallow in thin patients, moderate in average builds. Avoid deep perpendicular insertion.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.5–0.8 cun
Needling Directions
Veristically 0.5-1 cun or better obliquely in a lateral direction. Caution: Peritoneum, hypertrophied Organs (right: Liver, left: Spleen).
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distended feeling at the side of the abdomen, possibly extending to the posterior abdominal wall. Local soreness and distension are typical deqi responses.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
Organ & Tissue Associations
Front-Mu Point for:
Spleen
Hui-Gathering Point for:
Zang
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