(226) LU7 (Broken Sequence)

[HB KIM]

Clinical Indication of LU7 (Lie que)

1. Name
The name of LU7 is "Broken Sequence," which implies that this acupuncture point is not located exactly on the channel, but slightly off.  Because it is off the channel, it is an exit point to the next channel.  Some Five-Element schools, however, do locate LU7 on the line between LU9 and LU5. 

2. Luo-Connecting Point
This is the the luo-connecting point of the Lung.  In general, Xi-cleft points are used for acute conditions, and luo-connecting points are used for chronic conditions.  Needling the luo-connecting points has the effect of also needling the paired channel.  To make the treatment stronger, pair the luo-connecting point with the yuan-source point of the paired channel, for example LU7 and LI4.  This is called the host-guest treatment.  The combination of LU7 and LI4 is clinically effective for wind-cold, wind-water (yang edema), and nasal congestion.

3. Command Point
LU7 is one of the four command points.  This point can be used for any problems of the neck and head regardless of the etiology or symptoms.  Command points have the strongest and most general influence on a specific area.  The concept of the command points originated in the Ming dynasty in Gao Wu's Glorious Anthology of Acupuncture and Moxibustion.  The other command points are LI4 for the face, ST36 for the abdomen, and UB40 for the back.  Some classical texts after the Ming dynasty added the command points of PC6 for the chest and DU26 for resuscitation.

4. Confluent Point
LU7 and KD6 are an Eight Extra Vessel pair which influence and nourish yin in the Lung system, including lung, throat, chest, and diaphragm.  One of the keys of Eight Extra Vessel treatments is to use the pair of points together simultaneously.  The power of the Eight Extra Vessels is released when the points are combined together, like opening the floodgates to release water from the reservoir.  When used together, the pair of points opens the Extra Vessel and has a unique effect which is different from using either of the points individually.  LU7, individually, is the luo-connecting point of the Lung and the Command point of the neck and head, used primarily for exterior wind-cold conditions.  KD6, on its own, is the Confluent point of the Yin Qiao meridian and indicated primarily gynecological and urinary disorders.  When used as a pair, the effect is nourishing yin in the Lung system.

5. Irregular Pulse
Some practitioners use LU7, LU8, and LU9 simultaneously to treat irregular pulse or heart failure due to yang deficiency.  In this case, needle LU7, LU8, and LU9 toward the Heart channel, below the radial artery.  Energetic direction is more important than depth of insertion.  With needles inserted, feel the pulse on the opposite side to check it has returned to normal.  If it has not, needle LU7, LU8 and LU9 on both sides.  RN6 and RN12 can be added to this treatment.