SP 7 — Lòu Gǔ (漏谷) — Leaking Valley
SP 7 (Lou Gu, “Leaking Valley”) drains Damp from the middle and lower jiao. Located 6 cun above the medial malleolus on the posterior border of the tibia, it is a useful point for abdominal distension with borborygmus, urinary disorders and Damp-related leg heaviness.
On this page
1. About SP 7 (Lou Gu)
SP 7 — Lòu Gǔ — is on the Spleen channel. The name “Leaking Valley” reflects its function of leaching Damp out of the body via urination.
2. SP 7 location
6 cun above the tip of the medial malleolus (i.e., 3 cun above SP 6), on the posterior border of the tibia.
3. Actions
- Resolves Damp and benefits urination
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Regulates the Intestines
4. Indications
- Abdominal distension with borborygmus
- Diarrhoea from Spleen Damp
- Urinary retention and frequent urination
- Heaviness and coldness of the lower limbs
- Cold and numbness of the knee
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 1.0–1.5 cun. Avoid in pregnancy.
6. Clinical notes
SP 7 sits 3 cun above SP 6 on the Spleen channel and shares its Damp-resolving focus. It is typically combined with SP 9 (Yin Ling Quan) and ST 36 to drain Dampness and strengthen the Spleen in digestive disorders with bloating and loose stools.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use SP 7 within tailored acupuncture prescriptions for abdominal bloating, digestive disorders and Damp-related leg heaviness. I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Return to the acupuncture points directory.
