Liangqiu Point (ST-34 / Beam Mound, also known as Kuagu)
Unblocks the meridians and relieves pain, regulates qi and harmonizes the stomach. Based on its properties, this point is mainly used for acute stomach pain – especially pain due to gastric spasm – and is also commonly used for knee joint disorders.
Indications
Epigastric pain, borborygmus with diarrhea, and knee and leg bi-pain. (1) Digestive disorders: Acute stomach pain, vomiting, hyperacidity, acute cholecystitis, acute pancreatitis. (2) Breast disorders: Acute mastitis, fibrocystic breast disease, breast pain. (3) Lower limb flaccidity/bi-syndrome: Lower limb immobility, knee swelling and pain, etc.
Precise Location
In the anterior femoral region, 2 cun above the base of the patella, between the vastus lateralis muscle and the rectus femoris tendon.
Location Method
Sit upright with the leg straightened and pushed forward – the point is at the center of the depression above the superolateral border of the patella.
Massage Method
① Massage: Pinch and knead with the thumb or middle finger. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Pinch and knead Liangqiu with the thumb or middle finger about 200 times, or for 3–5 minutes, to treat abdominal pain. Therapeutic actions: Unblocks the meridians and relieves pain, regulates qi and harmonizes the stomach.
Compatibility
(1) Acute stomach pain: Combine with Zhongwan (RN-12), Neiguan (PC-6), and Zusanli (ST-36). (2) Acute mastitis: Combine with Qimen (LR-14), Tanzhong (RN-17), Neiguan (PC-6), and Jianjing (GB-21). (3) Lower limb immobility: Combine with Huantiao (GB-30), Yanglingquan (GB-34), Zusanli (ST-36), and Xuanzhong (GB-39). (4) Knee pain: Combine with Neixiyan (EX-LE4), Waixiyan (EX-LE5), Heding (EX-LE2), Xiyangguan (GB-33), Yanglingquan (GB-34), and Yinlingquan (SP-9). (5) Sinew contracture with inability to flex/extend the knee: Combine with Xiyangguan (GB-33) and Ququan (LR-8).
Efficacy & Actions
Liangqiu belongs to the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian and is the Xi-Cleft point where qi and blood of the Stomach Meridian converge. It regulates qi and harmonizes the stomach, unblocks the meridians and collaterals. It is the primary point for treating acute gastric disorders, with reducing technique commonly used. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Liang" means the horizontal beam of a house – the bone here is horizontal like a beam; "Qiu" means mound – the sinew resembles a small mound. Located above the knee like a ridge, it is named Liangqiu (Beam Mound). It is also known as "Kuagu." (1) Common Point for Stomach Disorders: As the Xi-Cleft point of the Stomach Meridian, where qi and blood deeply converge, it excels at treating acute conditions of the meridian – making it the first choice for acute stomach pain. (2) Commonly Used for Breast Disorders: In TCM, the nipple relates to the Liver, and the breast tissue to the Stomach. According to meridian pathways, the Stomach Meridian "descends from Qupen to the inner side of the breast" – breast disorders are treated through this meridian. It is particularly effective for acute mastitis. The Zhenjiu Jiayijing states: "Severe fright with breast carbuncle – Liangqiu is the primary point." The Bronze Figure Manual states: "It treats severe fright, breast carbuncle, and cold bi-syndrome of the knee with inability to flex and extend." (3) Common Point for Lower Limb Flaccidity/Bi-Syndrome and Knee Swelling: The Yangming Meridian is rich in qi and blood, as are Xi-Cleft points – thus it strongly regulates qi and blood and is effective for lower limb flaccidity. Located around the knee joint, according to "where the point is located, there it treats," it effectively treats knee pain – often combined with other points around the knee.
Contraindications
This point is mainly effective for acute stomach pain – it is less effective for chronic stomach pain. Moxibustion can be added for cold-type conditions.
