Spring at the Bend
曲泉 Qū Quán · LR-8
About LR-8 Spring at the Bend
LR-8 Ququan is the he-sea point of the Liver meridian, where the channel's qi runs at its deepest and most organ-connected. As a Water point on a Wood meridian, it embodies the nourishing relationship between the Kidney (Water) and the Liver (Wood) -- Water is the mother of Wood in the five-element cycle, and Ququan literally channels this maternal nourishment into the Liver. This makes it the primary point for tonifying Liver blood and yin, complementing LR-3 Taichong's qi-moving function with a nourishing, building action.
The name 'Spring at the Bend' describes a water source located at the bend of the knee, where the he-sea point's deep, pooling quality is most concentrated. Just as a spring provides life-sustaining water, Ququan provides the blood and yin that the Liver needs to function properly -- maintaining flexible sinews, bright eyes, smooth menstruation, and emotional resilience.
Clinically, Ququan addresses two major categories of pathology: Liver blood deficiency (dry eyes, muscle cramps, scanty or absent periods, brittle nails, dizziness) and damp-heat in the Lower Jiao (urogenital infections, vaginal discharge, genital itching, painful urination). These seemingly opposite conditions both respond to this point because the he-sea point can both tonify deficiency and drain excess at the organ level, adapting its action to the body's need.
How to Find This Point
Bend the knee. Find the crease at the back of the knee on the inner side. The point is at the medial end of that crease, in the depression between the two tendons you can feel on the inner back of the knee.
Technique
With the knee bent, press with the thumb into the depression at the inner end of the knee crease. Moderate sustained pressure or circular kneading.
Pressure & Duration
Moderate pressure for 1-2 minutes per side.
Benefits
Nourishes Liver blood and yin, clears damp-heat from the Lower Jiao, benefits the genitals, relaxes the sinews, benefits the knee
Indications
Knee pain (medial), genital itching, vaginal discharge, urinary difficulty, lower abdominal pain, PMS, infertility, dry eyes, muscle cramps
TCM Actions
Nourishes Liver blood, clears damp-heat from the Lower Jiao, benefits the genitals and urinary system, he-sea point of the Liver meridian
Self-Care Use
Press at the inner end of the knee crease for medial knee pain, menstrual issues related to blood deficiency, and urogenital conditions with damp-heat signs (burning urination, itching, discharge). As the Water point of the Wood meridian, LR-8 nourishes the Liver through the Mother-Child relationship (Water nourishes Wood). 1-2 minutes per side with the knee bent.
Contraindications & Cautions
No major contraindications for acupressure. Avoid firm pressure on an acutely inflamed knee joint.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the LR-8 Spring at the Bend acupressure point located?
LR-8 Spring at the Bend (Qū Quán) is located at: On the medial aspect of the knee, in the depression medial to the tendons of semitendinosus and semimembranosus, at the medial end of the popliteal crease, when the knee is flexed. Bend the knee. Find the crease at the back of the knee on the inner side. The point is at the medial end of that crease, in the depression between the two tendons you can feel on the inner back of the
How long should I press LR-8 Spring at the Bend?
Apply moderate pressure to LR-8 for 1-2 minutes per side. With the knee bent, press with the thumb into the depression at the inner end of the knee crease. Moderate sustained pressure or circular kneading.
What are the benefits of stimulating LR-8 Spring at the Bend?
Nourishes Liver blood and yin, clears damp-heat from the Lower Jiao, benefits the genitals, relaxes the sinews, benefits the knee
Is it safe to do acupressure on LR-8 at home?
Press at the inner end of the knee crease for medial knee pain, menstrual issues related to blood deficiency, and urogenital conditions with damp-heat signs (burning urination, itching, discharge). As Cautions: No major contraindications for acupressure. Avoid firm pressure on an acutely inflamed knee joint.
Which meridian does LR-8 belong to?
LR-8 Spring at the Bend belongs to the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian, which is associated with the Water (he-sea point of Wood meridian) element. Its TCM actions include: Nourishes Liver blood, clears damp-heat from the Lower Jiao, benefits the genitals and urinary system, he-sea point of the Liver meridian