The Leaking Valley (Lou Gu, SP7) acupoint has been recognized in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for approximately 2,000 years, but has only recently garnered attention in modern clinical research.
If you’ve ever experienced a sudden heaviness in your feet, especially in humid environments, this acupoint on your lower leg might be worth exploring. Lou Gu boasts an impressive list of benefits that make it a valuable resource.
TCM Perspective: A Dampness-Regulating Spot
Lou Gu was first mentioned in the “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing” (“A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”).
It is located just above San Yin Jiao (SP6), a well-known point where three major meridians intersect, giving it a unique energetic profile. According to TCM theory, the warm vital energy, or qi, that flows upward in the Spleen meridian cools abruptly at this level.
To illustrate, imagine a glass of ice-cold water on a hot summer day—condensation forms on the outside of the glass. This analogy helps explain the function of Lou Gu, as it plays a significant role in assisting the spleen in managing dampness levels within the meridian. Since the spleen is responsible for various functions, including transformation and transportation, Lou Gu becomes a valuable tool for regulating digestion and the movement of fluids, particularly when liquid metabolism is going awry.
Practical Uses: Swelling and Weak Muscles
In clinical practice, Lou Gu is used to address issues caused by internal “dampness” in the lower body. It is often included in treatment protocols for urinary tract infections or difficulty urinating. Excessive dampness can also manifest as water retention, swelling, and a sluggish, heavy feeling resulting from fluid stagnation.
Another angle worth noting: Lou Gu is used when people experience muscle weakness despite eating a well-balanced diet. To return to the water metaphor, this is akin to flushing the food out before your body has a chance to absorb its nutrients. This pattern is rooted in the belief that while the stomach breaks down food, the spleen handles nutrient absorption and distribution. So when the spleen is off, symptoms can include fatigue, undernourished muscles, and digestive irregularities.
The Glimmer of Modern Research
Modern medicine is only just beginning to catch up with TCM. So far, we know that acupoints on the lower leg—including Lou Gu—have different pain thresholds compared to the surrounding skin, which suggests unique neurological or anatomical properties.
Future research is being proposed to test Lou Gu’s effects on conditions that match its traditional usage. This includes restless leg syndrome and certain forms of acne that align with what TCM describes as “damp heat.” While we don’t have the final word from these studies yet, the direction is promising and well within Lou Gu’s traditional applications. It’s a thrilling case of ancient theory and modern inquiry beginning to overlap.
How to Locate and Activate Lou Gu
To locate Lou Gu, find the bony protrusion on the inner side of your ankle (medial malleolus). Wrap both hands side by side around your ankle to measure the width of eight fingers up the leg along the back edge of the shin bone (tibia). There, you’ll find it in a slight depression in the flesh that may feel tender to touch. Research shows this acupoint is less sensitive, so feel free to apply firm pressure to locate Lou Gu.
To activate the point:
- Firm pressure: Press firmly for six seconds, then relax for six seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each side.
- Circular massage: Massage in small circles with your index finger or thumb for one to three minutes on each side.
- Herbal patches: Apply an herbal patch overnight for long-lasting stimulation.
- Advanced methods: For stronger effects, acupuncture, cupping, or moxibustion with a professional is recommended.
Precautions
Don’t use Lou Gu if you have an injury near the point. If you’re opting for an herbal patch, ensure it’s free of harsh synthetic ingredients, especially if your skin tends to be sensitive.
A Call to Tune In
Dampness is a nuanced concept in TCM, and Lou Gu gives you a hands-on way to explore it, no pun intended. If you’ve been dealing with poor digestion, swelling in the lower limbs, or general sluggishness, this is your chance to try something new. Try stimulating Lou Gu daily for a few weeks. Track how your body feels. After all, nobody knows your body better than you do—and you might just discover that the solution was with you all along.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
Originally published in Epoch Times on 10 June 2025
