LR5 Lǐ Gōu

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

LR5 (Lǐ Gōu, “Lǐ Gōu”) is the Luo-Connecting Point point of the Liver Channel of Foot Jueyin Meridian. It is located on the medial aspect of the lower leg, 5 cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the tibia. It regulates Liver Qi, clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao, soothes the sinews, and regulates menstruation.

Location

On the medial aspect of the lower leg, 5 cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the tibia.

Needling

Subcutaneous or transverse-oblique insertion, directed superiorly or inferiorly, 0.5 to 1.0 cun.

TCM functions

Regulates Liver Qi, clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao, soothes the sinews, and regulates menstruation..

Indications

Sudden hernia, swollen lower abdomen, urinary difficulty like retention, frequent sighing, fright and palpitations, qi deficiency, abdominal pain, melancholy, sensation of a lump in the throat, back stiffness and inability to bend, cold and aching in the lower leg and foot, difficulty with flexion and extension of the leg, irregular menstruation, abnormal vaginal discharge (red and white), testicular pain, persistent erection, genital itching, urinary retention, lower abdominal mass hard as a stone,a sensation in the low back like a drawn crossbow..

Luo-Connecting Point

Clinical notes

As the Luo-connecting point of the Liver channel, Lǐ Gōu is essential for treating genitourinary disorders, especially those involving Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao. It is a primary point for issues like abnormal vaginal discharge, genital itching, and urinary difficulty. Its ability to regulate the Liver channel also makes it effective for hernia, testicular pain, and emotional disturbances like depression and frequent sighing stemming from Liver Qi stagnation.

On the Liver Channel of Foot Jueyin channel

LR5 is one of 14 points on the Liver Channel of Foot Jueyin Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is LR5 located?

LR5 (Lǐ Gōu) is located on the medial aspect of the lower leg, 5 cun superior to the prominence of the medial malleolus, on the posterior border of the tibia.

What is LR5 used for?

LR5 regulates Liver Qi, clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao, soothes the sinews, and regulates menstruation. Common clinical indications include sudden hernia, swollen lower abdomen, urinary difficulty like retention, frequent sighing, fright and palpitations, qi deficiency, abdominal pain, melancholy, sensation of a lump in the throat, back stiffness and inability to bend, cold and aching in the lower leg and foot, difficulty with flexion and extension of the leg, irregular menstruation, abnormal vaginal discharge (red and white), testicular pain, persistent erection, genital itching, urinary retention, lower abdominal mass hard as a stone,a sensation in the low back like a drawn crossbow.

How is LR5 needled?

Subcutaneous or transverse-oblique insertion, directed superiorly or inferiorly, 0.5 to 1.0 cun.

Which meridian is LR5 on?

LR5 is a point on the Liver Channel of Foot Jueyin Meridian (Zú Juéyīn Gānjīng).

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⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.