Lieque is an acupuncture point belonging to the Lung Meridian of Hand Taiyin. It is located on the radial side of the forearm. To locate the point, place the thumb of one hand on the styloid process of the radius of the other hand, with the index finger pressing on the small depression pointed to by the fingertip. Let's take a look at the effects of massaging Lieque.
The Origin of the Name Lieque
Lie means to divide or split; que means opening or gap. Lieque is a luo point of the Lung Meridian, which branches from this point to join the Large Intestine Meridian of Hand Yangming. It is located above the styloid process of the radius, between the tendons of the biceps brachii and the long extensor muscle of the thumb, resembling a gap, hence the name.
The Effects of Massaging Lieque
Lieque is a luo point of the Lung Meridian and one of the eight confluent points. It connects with the Ren Meridian. As a confluent point, it not only regulates the qi of the Lung Meridian but also has a regulating effect on the Large Intestine Meridian and the qi of the Ren Meridian. Massaging Lieque can promote the flow of qi and blood in the neck and shoulders, quickly relieving sudden pain.
The Functions and Indications of Massaging Lieque
Massaging Lieque can promote the dispersing and releasing of the exterior, regulate the lung and qi, stop coughing and relieve wheezing, clear heat and dispel wind, activate the meridians, and alleviate pain. It is mainly used to treat headaches, migraines, cervical spondylosis, stiff neck, as well as symptoms above the neck such as coughing, wheezing, sore throat, wrist pain and weakness, colds, and facial paralysis.
In addition, Lieque is connected to the Ren Meridian, which is known as the "sea of yin channels". It can nourish the yin deficiency of the lungs and kidneys. Therefore, Lieque also inherits the functions of the Ren Meridian and has a good regulating effect on conditions such as diabetes, tinnitus, and dry eyes caused by kidney yin deficiency.
The Techniques of Massaging Lieque
1. Pressing technique: Use the fingertip of the thumb to press on Lieque with increasing force, doing deep kneading until a sour and swollen feeling is achieved.
2. Rubbing technique: Use the fingertip of the thumb to rub Lieque in a circular motion until a sour and swollen feeling is achieved.
3. Pushing technique: Use the fingertip of the thumb to push and glide rhythmically and slowly on Lieque until a sour and swollen feeling is achieved.
4. Pinching technique: Use the fingertip of the thumb to pinch and press on Lieque, applying continuous stimulation with downward pinch and upward lift, until a sour and swollen feeling is achieved.
The Best Time for Massaging Lieque
Massaging Lieque is best done between 9 am and 11 am, when the qi of the Lung Meridian is most abundant. It can be done once a day, for 3-5 minutes each time.
Precautions for Massaging Lieque
The massage of Lieque mainly involves pinching and rubbing. During treatment, the hands should lightly grasp into fists with the palms facing up, and the muscles and tendons should move back and forth while pinching and rubbing. The force should neither be too heavy nor too light, and a sour and swollen feeling should be achieved. It can be done once a day, for 3 minutes each time. If combined with Fengchi, Hegu, Baihui, and other acupuncture points, the therapeutic effect will be even better.
