LV 5 — Lǐ Gōu (蠡沟) — Woodworm Canal
On this page
1. Overview
LV 5 — Lǐ Gōu (蠡沟) — is an acupuncture point on the Liver meridian. Its English name, Woodworm Canal, 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
5 cun above the tip of the medial malleolus, on the medial surface of the tibia.
3. Actions
- Luo-Connecting point of the Liver — connects to the Gallbladder
- Regulates Liver Qi and benefits the genital region
- Clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao
- Regulates menstruation
4. Indications
- Vaginal itching and leucorrhoea from Damp-Heat
- Irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhoea
- Orchitis and testicular pain in men
- Urinary tract disorders from Liver channel Damp-Heat
- Medial leg pain
5. Needling
Transverse insertion 0.5–0.8 cun along the tibia.
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 5 is the Luo-Connecting point of the Liver, connecting to the Gallbladder channel. Its pathway passes through the genitals, making it a key point for genital disorders. Combined with SP 6, BL 30 and CV 3 it forms a comprehensive prescription for vaginal discharge and leucorrhoea from Damp-Heat.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use LV 5 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Urinary tract infections, Endometriosis. 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.
