LU 7 — Liè Quē (列缺) — Broken Sequence

LU 7 (Lung 7; Lieque, “Broken Sequence”) is the Luo-Connecting point of the Lung meridian and the command point for the head and neck. Located 1.5 cun above the wrist crease on the radial side, it is the primary point for releasing the exterior in common colds and influenza, treats cough and asthma, addresses any disorder of the head and neck, and is one of the eight Confluent Points that open the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) — widely used in fertility and gynaecological treatment.

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Common point combinations
8. Treatment at my clinic
9. Frequently asked questions about LU 7

1. About LU 7 (Lieque)

LU 7 — Liè Quē (列缺) — is an acupuncture point on the Lung meridian. Its English name, Broken Sequence, refers to the point’s position where the meridian branches off the main channel. It is the Luo-Connecting point of the Lung channel and the command point for the head and neck — one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice for common cold, cough, asthma and any complaint of the head and neck region.

I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use LU 7 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. LU 7 location

Superior to the styloid process of the radius, 1.5 cun above the transverse crease of the wrist, between the tendons of brachioradialis and abductor pollicis longus. To find it: cross the thumbs of both hands with index fingers extended along each forearm. Where the index fingertip rests, in the small depression on the radial edge of the forearm above the wrist, is LU 7.

3. Actions

1. Releases the Exterior and dispels Wind — the command point for the head and neck
2. Stimulates the descending and dispersing function of the Lung
3. Opens and regulates the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel)
4. Benefits the head, neck and nape
5. Promotes the movement of water passages

4. Indications

1. Cough, asthma, shortness of breath and wheezing from Lung Qi failure to descend
2. Headache, stiff neck and facial paralysis — the primary point for head and neck disorders
3. Common cold, sore throat and nasal congestion from Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat invasion
4. Toothache and dental pain
5. Urinary problems from failure of the Lung to regulate the water passages
6. Wrist pain and weakness

5. Needling

Transverse insertion 0.3–0.5 cun directed towards the elbow, or oblique upwards. Strong De Qi often achieved that may radiate into the hand or up the arm. Care taken to avoid the radial artery.

Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.

6. Clinical notes

LU 7 is the Luo-Connecting point of the Lung meridian and one of the eight Confluent Points, opening the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel). The Lung in TCM governs the descent of Qi, regulates the surface (immune defence at the skin level) and controls the water passages of the upper jiao. LU 7 expresses all three actions: it releases pathogens from the exterior in acute cold and flu, descends rebellious Lung Qi in cough and asthma, and regulates the water passages in urinary frequency or oedema of the face and upper body.

The classical mnemonic “tou xiang Lieque xun” — “for the head and neck, seek Lieque” — identifies LU 7 as the master point for any disorder of the head and neck. As a Ren Mai opening point, LU 7 is also extensively used in fertility and gynaecological practice, often paired with KD 6 (Zhaohai), which opens the Yinqiao.

7. Common point combinations

1. LU 7 + KD 6 (Zhaohai) — the Confluent point pair opening Ren Mai and Yinqiao; used in fertility, menstrual irregularities, throat disorders and chronic dry cough.
2. LU 7 + LI 4 (Hegu) — the classical pair for common cold and influenza, releasing the exterior and relieving nasal congestion.
3. LU 7 + ST 36 (Zusanli) — combines Lung-strengthening with Spleen-tonifying for Lung Qi deficiency, recurrent colds and weak immunity.
4. LU 7 + CV 22 (Tiantu) — the standard combination for throat complaints — sore throat, hoarseness, “plum stone” sensation and chronic pharyngitis.
5. LU 7 + GV 14 (Dazhui) — clears high fever and acute Wind-Heat invasion, the early-stage acupuncture response to flu with fever.
6. LU 7 + LU 9 (Taiyuan) — the Luo-Yuan pair on the Lung channel, tonifies Lung Qi for chronic asthma, weak voice and recurrent respiratory infection.

8. Treatment at my clinic

I use LU 7 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including common cold and flu, asthma, neck pain and stiffness, headaches, chronic cough, sore throat, and as part of fertility and Ren Mai treatments. 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.

9. Frequently asked questions about LU 7

What are the acupuncture points LU7 used for?

The acupuncture points LU7 (Lieque) are used to release the exterior in common colds and influenza, treat cough and asthma, address disorders of the head and neck, and open the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) for fertility and gynaecological complaints. LU 7 is the command point for the head and neck — the classical master point for any complaint above the shoulders. Acupuncture points LU7 are also used for neck stiffness and chronic dry cough.

Where do you press acupressure points LU7?

To find the acupressure points LU7: cross the thumbs of both hands with index fingers extended along each forearm. Where your index fingertip naturally rests on the opposite forearm — in a small depression on the thumb-side edge of the forearm about 1.5 inches above the wrist crease — is LU 7. Apply firm pressure with your thumb for 1–3 minutes.

Can LU 7 help with the common cold?

Yes — LU 7 is one of the most important acupuncture points for the early stages of a common cold or influenza. By releasing the exterior, dispelling Wind and dispersing the Lung, it clears the early symptoms of sore throat, nasal congestion, headache and neck stiffness, often shortening the course of the illness. Most acupuncture treatments for cold or flu include LU 7, typically paired with LI 4.

Can LU 7 help with smoking cessation?

Yes — LU 7 is used in many smoking-cessation acupuncture protocols, particularly the NADA five-point ear protocol combined with body points including LU 7. It is thought to work by descending and regulating Lung Qi, calming the Mind and reducing the physical cravings associated with nicotine withdrawal.

Can LU 7 help with headaches and neck pain?

Yes — LU 7 is the command point for the head and neck and is used clinically for tension headaches, occipital headaches, stiff neck and the headache-with-neck-pain combination that often follows exposure to cold draughts. The classical phrase “for the head and neck, seek Lieque” captures two thousand years of clinical experience.

What does LU 7 mean in Chinese?

LU 7 is called Liè Quē (列缺) in Chinese, which translates as “Broken Sequence” or “Lightning”. The name refers to the position of the point where the Lung meridian branches off the main channel — a “break” in the sequence — and may also reference the lightning-like radiating sensation often felt when the point is needled.

Is LU 7 safe during pregnancy?

Yes — LU 7 is safe during pregnancy and frequently used for common cold and cough in pregnant patients, where many conventional medications must be avoided. It has no uterotonic effect and is one of the standard points for respiratory complaints throughout pregnancy.