Ligou Point (LR-5 / Insect Channel, also known as Jiaoyi)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Ligou (LR-5 / Insect Channel). Learn its benefits for menstrual disorders, hernia, urinary conditions, and orchitis – the Liver meridian Luo-Connecting point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Lower abdominal pain, hernia, enuresis, urinary retention, genital pain and itching, irregular menstruation, leukorrhea with red and white discharge, metrorrhagia, genital pain, and testicular swelling with pain.
Precise Location
On the medial side of the lower leg, 5 cun above the tip of the medial malleolus, at the center of the medial surface of the tibia.
Location Method
Sit with the leg extended. Measure 5 cun (approximately 7 finger-widths) directly upward from the tip of the medial malleolus – the point is in the depression on the medial tibia, where firm pressure produces a distinct sore and distending sensation.
Massage Method
① Massage: Pinch and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. ③ Cupping: Apply retained cupping with a fire cup. Pinch and knead Ligou with the thumb tip about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat irregular menstruation and genital pain. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the liver and regulates qi, regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea, clears and benefits the lower jiao, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain.
Compatibility
Orchitis (testicular swelling with pain): Combine with Zhongji (RN-3) and Guanyuan (RN-4). Irregular menstruation and leukorrhea with red and white discharge: Combine with Sanyinjiao (SP-6), Guanyuan (RN-4), and Xuehai (SP-10). Metrorrhagia: Combine with Yinbai (SP-1), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Qihai (RN-6). Enuresis and urinary retention: Combine with Zhongji (RN-3), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), and Pangguangshu (BL-28). Hernia: Combine with Dadun (LR-1), Guilai (ST-29), and Taichong (LR-3). Lower abdominal pain and genital pain: Combine with Guanyuan (RN-4) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Vaginal itching and genital pain: Combine with Zhongji (RN-3) and Sanyinjiao (SP-6).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian and is the Luo-Connecting point of this meridian, branching to the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. It soothes the liver and regulates qi, regulates menstruation and stops leukorrhea, clears and benefits the lower jiao, and unblocks the collaterals and relieves pain. It is a commonly used key point for treating gynecological, male, and urinary system disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Jingmai. "Li" refers to a gourd or insect-damaged wood, also meaning "to leave"; "Gou" means ditch or channel. Located in the depression on the medial tibia, this is where the Liver Meridian collateral branches out like a channel – hence the name Ligou (Insect Channel). It is also known as "Jiaoyi."
Contraindications
Located on the medial tibia with thin muscle coverage – needling depth should be carefully controlled, generally 0.5–0.8 cun horizontally or obliquely to avoid periosteal injury. Moxibustion is permissible.
