Liver 13 (LV 13) Zhang Men — Completion Gate

This is the Front-Mu (alarm) point of the Spleen and the Influential (Hui-meeting) point of the Zang (yin) organs. It harmonises the Liver and Spleen and strengthens the middle burner.

Liver 13 (LV 13) Zhang Men 章門 — Completion Gate

Location

On the lateral abdomen, below the free end of the eleventh rib.

Anatomy

On the external and internal oblique and transversus abdominis; the tenth and eleventh intercostal arteries; the tenth and eleventh intercostal nerves. The liver/spleen lie deep.

Actions & Functions

  • Harmonises the Liver and Spleen
  • Strengthens the Spleen and the middle burner (Front-Mu of the Spleen)
  • Regulates and benefits the Zang organs (Influential point)
  • Resolves food stagnation and masses

Indications

Abdominal distension and pain, borborygmus and diarrhoea, indigestion, hypochondriac pain, abdominal masses, and jaundice.

Needling

0.5-0.8 cun, perpendicular insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With LV-14 for hypochondriac pain; with ST-36 and SP-6 to strengthen the Spleen.

Classical Text References

The Front-Mu point of the Spleen and the Influential point of the Zang organs; a meeting point with the Gall Bladder channel.

Cautions & Contraindications

Deep insertion on the right risks the liver and on the left the spleen; needle shallowly and perpendicularly.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.