A lesser-known but important point on the inner thigh, Zuwuli (LR-10) is the Liver channel's gateway to the groin and genitals — moving stagnant Qi, clearing Dampness and Heat from the lower body, and restoring free flow where things have become blocked or congested.
Contraindications
Because of its location on the inner thigh close to the femoral vessels and lymphatic structures, needling should be performed carefully by a trained practitioner. Avoid aggressive or deep needling in this region.
Name & story
The name 足五里 Zuwuli means "Leg Five Miles" — or more precisely, "Foot Five Li". Just as the famous Zusanli (ST-36) carries the image of distance, this point does too. The "five" here refers to its location: it sits 3 Cun below LR-11 (or, measured differently, a set number of Cun along the inner thigh from the groin). The "li" is an old Chinese unit of distance, and the name evokes the reach of this point's influence — far down the inner leg, and deep into the urogenital region. It is one of the few thigh points on the Liver Meridian (LR), and its position high on the inner thigh speaks directly to its clinical focus: the groin, the genitals, and the lower abdomen.
Point family & character
Zuwuli (LR-10) belongs to the Liver Meridian (LR). It sits on the inner thigh, in the upper portion of the channel's course through the leg, before the channel ascends to the abdomen and chest.
Five-element dynamics
The Liver belongs to the Wood element, whose nature is movement, spreading and free flow. When Wood is blocked — whether by emotional tension, Cold, Dampness or Heat — Qi and Blood (Xue) stagnate, and the channel's territory suffers. The inner thigh and groin are the Liver channel's own ground, and LR-10 sits right at the crossroads of this territory. It has a particular affinity for clearing Dampness and Heat that has settled in the lower body, and for restoring the smooth movement of Qi through the genital and urinary region — the kind of congestion and stagnation that the Wood element, when healthy, would never allow.
Location
Find the point on the inner thigh, 3 Cun below the inguinal groove (the crease of the groin), on the medial side of the thigh, at the lateral border of the adductor longus muscle.
Anatomy & fascia
The point lies on the medial aspect of the thigh, in the region of the adductor muscles.
Needling
The needle is inserted perpendicularly.
Safe depth
Safe depth — 0.5–0.8 Cun.
The golden tip
For tension or heaviness in the inner thigh and groin, gentle self-massage along the inner thigh — moving slowly upward toward the groin — can help move stagnant Qi in the Liver channel. If you can locate the point (3 Cun below the groin crease on the inner thigh), applying firm but comfortable pressure for a minute or two may offer some relief from lower abdominal fullness or local tension. As always, for persistent symptoms, seek professional assessment.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.