Cycle Gate
期门 Qī Mén · LR-14
About LR-14 Cycle Gate
LR-14 Qimen is the front-mu (alarm) point of the Liver, the point on the anterior body where the Liver's qi concentrates and where Liver pathology often manifests as tenderness or distension. The mu points are diagnostically significant -- spontaneous pain or sensitivity at LR-14 often indicates Liver disharmony before other symptoms become prominent. Its location on the lower rib cage, directly over the anatomical liver, reinforces this diagnostic function.
The name 'Cycle Gate' refers to the point's position at the end of the jueyin (terminal yin) channel, which is the last of the twelve main meridians in the energetic cycle. At LR-14, the qi cycle that began at LU-1 Zhongfu completes its circuit and prepares to begin again, making this point a gate of cyclical renewal. This cyclical quality is reflected in the Liver's role in regulating all rhythmic processes in the body -- menstrual cycles, emotional cycles, digestive rhythms, and the circadian alternation of activity and rest.
Clinically, Qimen is most valued for treating the pattern of Liver qi invading the Stomach -- when emotional stress, anger, or frustration causes the Liver to overact on the digestive system, producing nausea, hiccup, acid reflux, and the abdominal pain that worsens with emotional upset. By spreading Liver qi at its mu point, the constraint is released before it can disrupt the Stomach's descending function. Gentle acupressure here is particularly soothing when stress manifests as a tight band across the lower chest.
How to Find This Point
Find the nipple line (or the midclavicular line in women). Count down from the collarbone to the sixth rib space (approximately two rib spaces below the nipple level in men). The point is in the intercostal space at this level.
Technique
Press gently with fingertips into the intercostal space. Gentle sustained pressure or light circular motions. This area is sensitive and should not receive forceful pressure.
Pressure & Duration
Light to moderate pressure for 1-2 minutes per side.
Benefits
Spreads Liver qi, harmonizes the Liver and Stomach, benefits the chest and rib region, resolves stagnation in the Middle Jiao
Indications
Rib-side pain, chest distension, hiccup, acid reflux, vomiting, abdominal distension, depression with chest tightness, hepatitis, gallstones
TCM Actions
Spreads Liver qi, harmonizes the Liver and Stomach, invigorates blood, cools blood, front-mu point of the Liver, meeting point of the Liver channel with the Spleen and Yin Wei Mai
Self-Care Use
Press gently below the chest on both sides for rib-side discomfort, sighing, chest tightness from emotional stress, and digestive upset caused by frustration or anger. As the mu point of the Liver, this is where Liver pathology manifests on the front of the body. Gentle pressure only -- the area is sensitive and the ribs should never receive forceful pressing. 1-2 minutes per side.
Contraindications & Cautions
Avoid deep pressure due to proximity to the liver organ and lower lung margin. Never apply forceful pressure over the ribs. Use only gentle technique in individuals with rib fracture or liver disease.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the LR-14 Cycle Gate acupressure point located?
LR-14 Cycle Gate (Qī Mén) is located at: On the chest, directly below the nipple, in the sixth intercostal space, 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline. Find the nipple line (or the midclavicular line in women). Count down from the collarbone to the sixth rib space (approximately two rib spaces below the nipple level in men). The point is in the inter
How long should I press LR-14 Cycle Gate?
Apply light to moderate pressure to LR-14 for 1-2 minutes per side. Press gently with fingertips into the intercostal space. Gentle sustained pressure or light circular motions. This area is sensitive and should not receive forceful pressure.
What are the benefits of stimulating LR-14 Cycle Gate?
Spreads Liver qi, harmonizes the Liver and Stomach, benefits the chest and rib region, resolves stagnation in the Middle Jiao
Is it safe to do acupressure on LR-14 at home?
Press gently below the chest on both sides for rib-side discomfort, sighing, chest tightness from emotional stress, and digestive upset caused by frustration or anger. As the mu point of the Liver, th Cautions: Avoid deep pressure due to proximity to the liver organ and lower lung margin. Never apply forceful pressure over the ribs. Use only gentle technique
Which meridian does LR-14 belong to?
LR-14 Cycle Gate belongs to the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian, which is associated with the Wood element. Its TCM actions include: Spreads Liver qi, harmonizes the Liver and Stomach, invigorates blood, cools blood, front-mu point of the Liver, meeting point of the Liver channel with the Spleen and Yin Wei Mai