Zhongfeng Point (LR-4 / Middle Seal, also known as Xuanquan)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Zhongfeng (LR-4 / Middle Seal). Learn its benefits for genital pain, spermatorrhea, urinary disorders, and jaundice – the Liver meridian Jing-River point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Genital pain, spermatorrhea (nocturnal emissions, seminal incontinence), difficult urination, jaundice, lower abdominal pain, hernia, lumbar pain, malaria, cold feet, body numbness, and poor appetite.
Precise Location
On the dorsum of the foot, anterior to the medial malleolus, on the line connecting Shangqiu (SP-5) and Jiexi (ST-41), in the depression medial to the tibialis anterior tendon. One cun anterior to the medial malleolus.
Location Method
Sit upright with the right foot placed on the left knee. Hold the heel with the left hand, thumb at the point one cun anterior to the medial malleolus – that is Zhongfeng.
Massage Method
Knead with the thumb pad – a sore, distending, and painful sensation will occur. Apply to both sides for 3–5 minutes each, left first then right. Therapeutic actions: Clears and drains the liver and gallbladder, relaxs the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, regulates qi and relieves pain, and secures the essence gate.
Compatibility
Nocturnal emissions: Combine with Pishu (BL-20), Xiaochangshu (BL-27), Zhangmen (LR-13), Qihai (RN-6), Guanyuan (RN-4), and Zhongji (RN-3). Disease overview: Nocturnal emissions are the involuntary discharge of semen during sleep, often accompanied by dreams. They may be deficiency or excess patterns, or mixed. Prolonged cases are mostly deficiency, with yin or yang deficiency. Massage sequence: Massage Zhongfeng, Pishu, Xiaochangshu, Zhangmen, Qihai, Guanyuan, and Zhongji for 30 minutes daily – best results with bedtime massage. Difficult urination: Combine with Zhongji (RN-3), Yinlingquan (SP-9), Pangguangshu (BL-28), Qixue (KI-13), and Zhongfeng (LR-4). Genital pain and hernia: Combine with Dadun (LR-1), Taichong (LR-3), and Guilai (ST-29). Spermatorrhea: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Zhishi (BL-52), and Sanyinjiao (SP-6). Jaundice: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34), Zhiyang (GV-9), and Ganshu (BL-18). Lumbar pain: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23) and Weizhong (BL-40). Cold feet: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36) and Yanglingquan (GB-34).
Efficacy & Actions
The Shengji Zonglu records: "Zhongfeng is a Metal point, located one cun anterior to the medial malleolus. It is reached when the foot is extended, in a depression when the foot is dorsiflexed. It is the Jing-River point of the Liver Meridian. It treats malaria, pallor with chills, lower abdominal swelling, periumbilical pain with poor appetite, cold feet with loss of appetite, body numbness, cold hernia with lumbar pain, and mild fever. Needle to 4 fen depth, retain for 7 breaths, moxibustion with 3 cones." Thus, this point effectively treats various male disorders. This point belongs to the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian and is the Jing-River point where the meridian qi flows (corresponding to the Metal element in the five-element theory). It clears and drains the liver and gallbladder, relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, regulates qi and relieves pain, and secures the essence gate. It is a commonly used key point for treating reproductive and urinary system disorders. First documented in Lingshu · Benshu. "Zhong" means middle; "Feng" means to seal or secure. Located anterior to the medial malleolus, this point is where Liver Meridian qi is sealed and stored, securing essence and blood – hence the name Zhongfeng (Middle Seal). It is also known as "Xuanquan."
Contraindications
Located on the medial dorsum of the foot, needling should avoid blood vessels – generally 0.5–0.8 cun vertically. Moxibustion is permissible.
