Liver Channel

Jimai LIV-12

Chinese: 急脉

Pinyin: Jí Mài

Location

Interior and lateral to the pubic spine, 2.5 cun lateral to the Qugu REN-2 on the anterior midline and 1 cun inferior to the upper border of the symphysis. 

How to locate

Measure 2.5 cun in a lateral and 1 cun in an inferior direction from Qugu REN-2 which is on the upper border of the pubic symphysis.

In this area, palpate the pulse of the femoral artery and locate LIV-12 medial to the artery. 

 

Main actions

  1. Dispels Cold from the Liver Channel
  2. Benefits the Lower Burner

Indications

Shan disorder Genitalia pain Uterus prolapse Testicle swollen Inner thigh pain Hypogastrium pain

Needling

Slightly obliquely 0.5-0.8 cun. The LIV-12 should be needled in a medial direction, at least 1 fingerbreadth from the femoral artery,  since the femoral vein also runs medial to the artery. 

Caution: Femoral artery/vein. To avoid injury the vein, the classical book says the LIV-12 should not be needled due to its tricky location. Moxibustion is rather recommended. However, the modern book say the contrary. 

 

Commentary for Jimai LIV-12

Jimai LIV-12 is not a major point of the Liver Channel. 

Its main function is to dispel Cold Evil from the Liver Channel and benefit the Lower Burner.