LV 13 — Zhāng Mén (章门) — Camphorwood Gate
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1. Overview
LV 13 — Zhāng Mén (章门) — is an acupuncture point on the Liver meridian. Its English name, Camphorwood Gate, 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. I practise at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the lateral abdomen, below the free end of the 11th rib.
3. Actions
- Front-Mu point of the Spleen — directly regulates the Spleen
- Influential point for all Zang (solid) organs
- Spreads Liver Qi and harmonises the Liver and Spleen
- Resolves abdominal accumulations
4. Indications
- Spleen disorders — Front-Mu of the Spleen
- Liver and Spleen disharmony — bloating, diarrhoea, hypochondriac pain
- Abdominal masses
- Flank and hypochondriac pain from Liver Qi stagnation
5. Needling
Oblique insertion 0.5–0.8 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
LV 13 is the Front-Mu of the Spleen and one of the eight Influential points — the Influential point for all Zang organs. Combined with BL 20 (Back-Shu of the Spleen) it forms the Front-Mu / Back-Shu pair. Its location on the Liver channel at the Spleen's alarm point reflects the classical importance of the Liver-Spleen relationship.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use LV 13 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Digestive disorders, Irritable bowel syndrome. 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.
