Lanwei — Lán Wěi (阑尾) — Appendix Point
On this page
1. Overview
Lanwei — Lán Wěi (阑尾) — is an acupuncture point on the Extra point (lateral lower leg) meridian. Its English name, Appendix Point, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
2 cun directly below ST 36 (Zusanli).
3. Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity from the Large Intestine — the specific point for appendicitis
- Regulates the intestines and relieves abdominal pain
- Resolves Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao
4. Indications
- Acute appendicitis — adjunct to medical management
- Appendiceal colic and right lower quadrant pain
- Intestinal abscesses
- Diarrhoea and constipation from Large Intestinal Heat
- Abdominal pain from Heat and stagnation
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 1.0–1.5 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
Lanwei is an extra point specific to appendiceal conditions, located 2 cun below ST 36. Like Dannang for the gallbladder, it is markedly tender on palpation in patients with appendicitis. In China it is used clinically as an adjunct to conservative management of early acute appendicitis, combined with ST 25, ST 37 and LI 4. It should never replace urgent surgical evaluation in suspected appendicitis.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use Lanwei as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Digestive disorders. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
