Location

on the radial aspect of the forearm (inner surface), aprox. 1 1/2 " proximal to the styloid process of the radius, in the cleft between the tendons of brachiorradialis and abductor pollicis longus.

Needling

with one hand pinch the skin up and needle with the other needle under the skin in either direction.

moxa is OK

Actions

Releases the exterior
Expels wind
Promotes proper function of the Lung
Pacifies internal wind
Dispels phlegm
Benefits the Head and Neck
Regulates the Ren Channel
Regulates water passage
Alleviates pain along the channel

Signs and Symptoms

headache, migraine, neck rigidity, cough, asthma, sore throat, facial paralysis, toothache, pain and weakness of the wrist.

Commentary

Lieque is the Luo Connecting point of the Lung Channel. A Luo Connecting point is a secondary channel that connects each organ with its opposite counterpart. For example Lieque connects the Lungs (a Zang/Yin organ) with the Large Intestine (a Fu/Yang) organ. These connections are very important in the understanding of the flow of Qi in the body.

The Lung is paired with the Large Intestines.

The Pericardium is paired with the San Jiao

The Heart is paired with the Small Intestine

The Spleen is paired with the Stomach

The Liver is paired with the Gallbladder

The Kidneys are paired with the Urinary Bladder.

It is this connection that allows Lieque to be a point of choice for one-sided headache even though the Lung channel ascends no higher than the throat. The Large Intestine channel, which does, is well known for its strong effect on the face and head.

Lieque is included in the grouping of Acupuncture points known as the 12 Heavenly Star Points. These are a grouping of points presented by physician Ma Dan-Yang as the most important points of all.

Lieque may well be the most frequently used point on the Lung channel. With its connections to both the Large Intestine and Ren Channels it is indicated for conditions not only on its own channel but along these two channels as well.

Specifically, Lieque is recommended for one-sided headache and pain in the nape of the neck, as well as phlegm in the upper body, lockjaw and numbness of the whole body.

Lieque has a strong effect fortifying the exterior and is an important point for fending off invasion of Wind (colds, flu and other such ambient infections), as well as for treating the early symptoms. It is especially useful for clearing phlegm from the Lungs in the early stages.

Lieque is the Confluent Point of the Ren Extraordinary Channel. A Confluent Point is a point on one of the 12 regular channels that opens one of the extraordinary channels. In this case it is the Ren Channel. Lieque opens and regulates the flow of Qi within the Ren channel. This association with the Ren Channel means that Lieque is able to treat problems of the genitals including retention of the foetus and genital pain as well as various urinary difficulties.

Lieque is also indicated for a number of psycho-emotional disorders and is specifically indicated for poor memory.

Finally, Lieque is frequently used for local pain of the thumb and forefinger.