Ligou Acupoint is a commonly used acupoint in traditional Chinese medicine to regulate liver and gallbladder functions. The phrase "the liver and gallbladder support each other" can also be supported by the location of acupoints in the human body. Ligou Acupoint is a collateral point of the liver meridian, which can connect and regulate the liver and gallbladder meridians. In addition, regular massage of Ligou Acupoint can also treat gynecological inflammations!
Image of Ligou Acupoint
【The Benefits of Massaging Ligou Acupoint】
1. Liver and Gallbladder Health
The phrase "the liver and gallbladder support each other" can be supported by the presence of an acupoint that can promote the connection between the liver and gallbladder. This acupoint is Ligou Acupoint, located on the medial side of the tibia.
Ligou Acupoint is a collateral point of the liver meridian, which can connect the liver and gallbladder through the meridian lines. Regular massage of this acupoint can promote liver and gallbladder health.
2. Clearing Heat and Detoxification
Ligou Acupoint belongs to the liver meridian and can connect and regulate both the liver and gallbladder meridians. It has the effects of clearing and promoting liver and gallbladder damp-heat, detoxification, and relieving itching. It is used to treat menstrual irregularities, abnormal vaginal discharge, itching, testicular pain, hernia, and difficulty urinating.
3. Relaxing Tendons and Activating Collaterals
Ligou Acupoint can dispel wind and eliminate dampness, relax tendons, and activate collaterals. It is used to treat conditions such as lumbar stiffness and pain that cannot be relieved by bending or stretching, and soreness in the shins.
Image of Ligou Acupoint
【Conditions Treated by Ligou Acupoint】
1. Vaginitis
Ligou Acupoint is a collateral point of the liver meridian, and it can be used to treat any diseases related to the liver. Therefore, massaging Ligou Acupoint can relieve itching, dysmenorrhea, and other liver and gallbladder-related conditions.
Vaginal itching is caused by damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, and Ligou Acupoint is the pathway through which warm and humid Qi from the Conception Vessel reaches the Gallbladder Meridian. Therefore, pressing and massaging this acupoint can have an immediate effect on relieving itching in the genital area.
However, for the best results, it is recommended to combine the treatment with other acupoints such as "Ququan" and "Yinlingquan", as well as drinking mung bean and coix seed porridge regularly to detoxify the liver and eliminate damp-heat.
2. Abnormal Vaginal Discharge
Ligou Acupoint is a collateral point of the liver meridian, which is specifically used to treat chronic diseases. This acupoint has a good therapeutic effect on gynecological conditions such as vaginal itching and abnormal vaginal discharge. It can regulate liver Qi, promote menstruation, and stop abnormal vaginal discharge.
For women with abnormal vaginal discharge or vaginal itching, Ligou Acupoint may be tender to the touch. As long as the tenderness is relieved with massage, it indicates that the condition is being regulated.
Pressing or applying moxibustion to this acupoint for about 3 minutes each day, or slightly longer for moxibustion, about 5-10 minutes, and persisting for half a month to a month can effectively regulate the condition.
Image of Ligou Acupoint
【Massage Technique for Ligou Acupoint】
1. Massage
The patient should adopt the most comfortable position and use the thumbs to press and massage the Ligou Acupoint on both sides. This may cause localized soreness, fullness, or pain. Then, flex and extend the ankle joint to enhance the feeling of finger pressure, and then use a kneading motion to relax the area.
Each massage session should last 5-10 minutes. For acute conditions, do it 2-3 times a day. For chronic conditions, do it daily or every other day.
2. Acupuncture
Needling: Insert the needle along the skin for 0.3-0.5 inches; for perpendicular needling, insert the needle for 0.5-0.8 inches, causing localized soreness. For oblique needling, insert the needle along the posterior border of the tibia and upward for 1.0-1.5 inches, causing the soreness to disperse to the knee.
3. Moxibustion
Moxa cones: Apply moxibustion for 3-5 cones; moxa sticks: Apply moxibustion for 5-10 minutes.
Suspended moxibustion: The patient should lie on their back during the treatment to fully expose the acupoint. After lighting the moxa stick, place it about 3 cm above the Ligou Acupoint. The patient should feel a warm sensation without any burning pain. Generally, moxibustion should last for 10-15 minutes, with a slight redness in the area as the desired outcome. Do it 1-2 times a day.
