Liver meridian

LV-5 (Lǐgōu, 蠡沟) — Woodworm Ditch

Meridian
Liver (LV)
Anatomical view
anterior
Point classification
Luo-connecting point of the Liver channel.
Depth reference
0.5–0.8 cun subcutaneous
Moxibustion
Not established in checked sources.
Reference aliases
LV5; Ligou; 蠡沟; Woodworm Ditch

Anatomical location

On the anteromedial lower leg, at the centre of the medial tibial surface and 5 B-cun above the medial malleolus.

Traditional actions

Spreads Liver qi; clears damp-heat from the genitals; regulates menstruation; links with the Gallbladder channel.

Recorded indications

Primary: Genital itching or swelling; painful urination; irregular menstruation.

Secondary: Plum-pit sensation; leg pain; emotional constraint.

How to read this reference

AcuAtlas separates anatomical location, traditional classification, recorded actions, indications, insertion-depth references, and moxibustion notes because these fields answer different study questions. The location statement is the orientation anchor. The classification and actions describe traditional reference categories, while indications summarize how checked educational sources associate the point with established teaching material. They are not a recommendation to select or stimulate the point.

Depth and moxibustion entries are reproduced as bounded reference notes rather than procedural instructions. Individual anatomy, technique, angle, clinical setting, and local professional standards can change what is appropriate. Review the cited documents and supervised training material before using any technical field. The normalized map coordinate is included only to place the point on the matching AcuAtlas body plate; it is not a substitute for palpation or anatomical assessment.

Sources

References displayed on this page were recorded with the point dataset.

  1. WHO Standard Acupuncture Point Locations in the Western Pacific Region LR5, p. 198
  2. Acupuncture.Com Acupuncture Point Reference Liver 5: English translation, classification, indications, functions and needling

Frequently asked questions

Where is LV-5 located?

On the anteromedial lower leg, at the centre of the medial tibial surface and 5 B-cun above the medial malleolus.

What reference actions and indications are recorded for LV-5?

Spreads Liver qi; clears damp-heat from the genitals; regulates menstruation; links with the Gallbladder channel. The dataset lists these primary indications: Genital itching or swelling; painful urination; irregular menstruation. Secondary indications are recorded as: Plum-pit sensation; leg pain; emotional constraint.

Is LV-5 safe during pregnancy?

This dataset does not identify LV-5 as one of its five mandatory pregnancy-caution points. That is not a declaration of safety. Pregnancy-related point selection requires individualized assessment by a qualified clinician.