LU-7 Lieque

On the radial aspect of the forearm, proximal to the styloid process of the radius, approximately 1.5 cun proximal to the wrist crease, in the cleft between the tendons of brachioradialis and abductor pollicis longus.

Brachioradialis and abductor pollicis longus tendons; the cephalic vein and radial artery branches; the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and the superficial branch of the radial nerve.

• Releases the Exterior and expels Wind
• Stimulates the descending and dispersing function of Lung Qi
• Opens and regulates the Conception Vessel (Ren Mai)
• Benefits the head and nape

Cough, asthma, sore throat, common cold, headache, stiff neck, facial paralysis, wrist pain, and disorders of the Conception Vessel such as urinary and genital problems.

0.3-0.5 cun, oblique insertion directed proximally or distally along the channel.

Suitable for moxibustion. Indirect moxa (moxa stick, or moxa on the needle) may be used to warm the channel and support the dispersing and descending of Lung qi in Wind-Cold patterns. Direct scarring moxa is generally avoided here owing to the superficial location over bone and the proximity of the radial artery.

With LI-4 Hegu for headache and disorders of the head and face; with KID-6 Zhaohai (its paired Confluent point) for throat and chest disorders.

• Four Command Points (四總穴歌): ‘For the head and nape, seek Lieque’ (頭項尋列缺).
• Ma Dan-yang’s Twelve Heavenly Star Points: lists Lieque for headache, migraine and disorders of the neck.
• Ode of Xi-Hong (席弘賦): pairs Lieque with other points for headache and toothache.

Avoid puncturing the radial artery. Needle obliquely rather than perpendicularly given the superficial position over bone.

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