Zhangmen Point (LR-13 / Barrier Gate, also known as Changping, Xieliao)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Zhangmen (LR-13 / Barrier Gate). Learn its benefits for chest tightness, abdominal pain, distension, jaundice, and splenomegaly – the Spleen Mu-Front and Zang Hui point – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Chest tightness, abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal distension, chest and hypochondriac fullness, hypochondriac pain, borborygmus, jaundice, abdominal masses (splenomegaly), poor appetite, weakness, fatigue, and lumbar pain with inability to turn.
Precise Location
Located on the Liver Meridian, on the lateral abdomen, below the free end of the 11th rib.
Location Method
Sit upright or lie supine. Place both palms facing down, fingertips pointing downward, on the chest below the breasts and above the ribs – the point is where the thenar eminence (the fleshy base of the thumb) presses. (Standard location: with the arm raised, on the lateral abdomen below the free end of the 11th rib.)
Massage Method
Press and knead in a circular motion with the thumb – a distending and painful sensation will occur. Apply to both sides simultaneously or separately for 1–3 minutes. Therapeutic actions: Soothes the liver and strengthens the spleen, regulates qi and disperses nodules, and reduces distension and resolves accumulation.
Compatibility
Urticaria: Combine with Zusanli (ST-36). Disease overview: Urticaria is a common skin disease characterized by transient inflammatory congestion and fluid exudation of skin and mucosal vessels, causing localized edema with intense itching – classified as acute, chronic, angioneurotic edema, and papular urticaria. Massage sequence: Knead Zhangmen with the thenar eminence for 2 minutes, then press Zusanli for 1 minute. Nephritis: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23), Ganshu (BL-18), Shuidao (ST-28), Jingmen (GB-25), Yinlingquan (SP-9), Sanyinjiao (SP-6), Yanggu (SI-5), Qihai (RN-6), and Zhangmen (LR-13). Abdominal distension: Combine with Tianshu (ST-25), Zhongwan (RN-12), Zusanli (ST-36), and Zhangmen (LR-13). Chest and hypochondriac pain: Combine with Yanglingquan (GB-34) and Zhigou (TE-6). Abdominal masses (splenomegaly): Combine with Pishu (BL-20) and Zhongwan (RN-12). Vomiting and poor appetite: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12) and Neiguan (PC-6). Lumbar pain with inability to turn: Combine with Shenshu (BL-23) and Weizhong (BL-40).
Efficacy & Actions
The Zhenjiu Jiayijing records: "Lumbar pain with inability to turn – Zhangmen is the primary point." The Tuyi states: "It treats accumulated qi in the hypochondrium like stones, distension with borborygmus, and chest and hypochondriac pain." If you experience chest depression and fullness, restless heat, dry mouth, poor appetite, sallow complexion, weakness, and fatigue, pressing this point can bring improvement. This point belongs to the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian and is the meeting point of the Liver Meridian and the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. It is also the Mu-Front point of the Spleen and the Zang Hui point among the Eight Influential Points. It soothes the liver and strengthens the spleen, regulates qi and disperses nodules, and reduces distension and resolves accumulation. It is a key point for treating liver, spleen, and digestive system disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Zhang" is equivalent to "障" (barrier); "Men" means gate or door. Located on the lateral abdomen, this point serves as the gateway for liver qi – hence the name Zhangmen (Barrier Gate). It is also known as "Changping" and "Xieliao."
Contraindications
The deep layer contains the liver, spleen, and other internal organs – needling angle and depth must be carefully controlled. Vertical deep needling should be avoided; generally oblique needling at 0.5–0.8 cun to prevent internal organ injury. Moxibustion is permissible. Use with caution in pregnant women.
