Liver Meridian
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LR-10
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Thigh — Medial
Location
3 cun inferior to Qichong ST-30 which is on the upper border of the symphysis and 2 cun lateral to the anterior midline. The point is also on the lateral border of adductor longus muscle.
Main Actions
- Clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
- Relaxes tendons and muscles
Commentary
Together with Yinlian LIV-11, they are often used to treat infertility in women.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayijing (The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, 282 CE): Records Zuwuli as one of the 14 points of the Liver channel, located 3 cun below Qichong (ST-30), on the lateral border of the adductor longus muscle. Indicated for lower abdominal distention and urinary disorders.
Huangdi Neijing Lingshu (The Spiritual Pivot): Describes the Liver channel pathway ascending the medial thigh through this region, connecting with the genital organs and lower abdomen. The name "Five Li" (Wu Li) refers to a measurement of five li (ancient distance measure) from the pubic region.
Qianjin Yaofang (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold, 652 CE): Sun Simiao mentions this point for treating lower jiao disorders including genital swelling and urinary problems.
How to Locate
Flex the adductors by pressing feet against each other. Locate Zuwuli LIV-10 in the depression on the lateral border of the adductor longus muscles, where it forms an angle with the sartorius muscle.
Caution
The femoral artery and vein lie anterior to this point. Care must be taken to avoid piercing these major vessels. Palpate for arterial pulsation before needling and insert the needle on the lateral border of the adductor longus muscle, away from the femoral vessels. Avoid deep needling. The obturator nerve branches also pass through this region. Use caution during pregnancy due to the point's proximity to the reproductive organs and its influence on the Lower Jiao.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 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 distending sensation that may extend towards the knee or upward toward the groin. Some patients may experience a heavy or aching sensation in the medial thigh region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Questionable
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