Qimen (LR14): The Liver Mu Point for Chest Pain, Digestion, and Emotional Release

Qimen (期门, LR14) is a key acupoint on the Liver Meridian, located on the chest. As the Front-Mu (alert) point of the Liver, it is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to regulate liver qi, relieve chest and rib pain, and address digestive and emotional disorders. This article explores its location, indications, and clinical applications.

Qimen is situated on the chest, directly below the nipple, in the sixth intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline. To locate it, find the nipple and count down to the sixth rib space, then move laterally about 4 finger-widths (cun).

Under the skin, this point lies over the external and internal oblique aponeuroses, the intercostal muscles, and the sixth intercostal neurovascular bundle (artery, vein, and nerve).

Qimen is indicated for a wide range of conditions, primarily those involving liver qi stagnation and disharmony between the liver and stomach. Common uses include:

Qimen is needled obliquely or transversely to a depth of 0.5–0.8 cun. Deep perpendicular needling is avoided due to the proximity of the lungs and liver. Moxibustion is also applicable.

Qimen is often combined with other points to enhance its effects:

Qimen is the Front-Mu point of the Liver and a meeting point of the Liver, Spleen, and Yin Wei Mai channels. It is a crucial point for regulating liver qi and harmonizing the middle jiao.

References

1. Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders) – cited for the indication of heat entering the blood chamber.
2. Huangdi Neijing (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic) – provides foundational theory on acupoints and liver function.
3. Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) – classical text detailing point locations and indications.
4. Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) – references herbal compatibilities relevant to liver disorders.