As acupuncture becomes more popular and is increasingly recommended for pain management, one might wonder why inserting a needle or applying pressure to acupoints—arguably uncomfortable procedures—brings relief? One possible explanation within the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) framework is stagnation.
While we sometimes hear the word “stagnation” in economic contexts, in TCM theory, it refers to energy that is not circulating through the tissues. Lack of stimulation hinders the delivery of qi and blood and blocks the removal of toxins or pathogens. One acupoint, Warming Flow (Wen Liu, LI7), located on your forearm, is used to deal with this very problem.
Powerful Action at a Critical Juncture
Wen Liu was first documented in the “Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing” (“A-B Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”). It is classified as a Xi-Cleft point on the Large Intestine meridian. Xi-Cleft points are known as places where qi and blood accumulate. These locations are typically used for acute conditions due to their capacity to resolve stagnation along the meridian, or energy pathway, with speed and effectiveness.
In the case of the Large Intestine meridian, stagnation frequently presents as pain along its pathway, from the tip of the index finger, up the arm, and extending upwards to the head. Wen Liu is employed for a range of symptoms along this route.
Modern practitioners use Wen Liu to address pain in the arm and shoulder that may be caused by extended immobility, exposure to cold wind, or lingering aches after past injuries. It is also used for symptoms higher up along the same meridian, including sore throat, tongue swelling and pain, inflammation in the mouth, toothache, and facial swelling.
Modern Findings of Wen Liu
Contemporary research is examining the body-wide effects of acupoints and meridians. One study aimed to map the physical route of the Large Intestine meridian using an electroretinogram (ERG), a test that measures visual responses. During acupuncture at Hegu (LI4), another acupoint on the Large intestine meridian, ERG signals showed significant changes.
However, when mechanical pressure was applied to points along the meridian, including Wen Liu, the ERG response weakened or disappeared. Disruption in response suggests that pressure at Wen Liu can block the effect of acupuncture at Hegu, helping to objectively trace the meridian’s course.
The study demonstrated that mapping holds true even for people who don’t feel typical sensations during acupuncture. Wen Liu played a key role in validating the meridian’s existence and pathway using measurable scientific indicators.
Another clinical study evaluated acupuncture’s role in treating spastic limb dysfunction after stroke. It compared a technique called yin-yang penetrating acupuncture—using elongated needles to connect point pairs—with standard acupuncture. Both groups showed improvement in muscle tone, motor function, and daily activity levels. However, the group treated with the penetrating method, which included Wen Liu linked to Quchi (LI11), had significantly better outcomes across all measured areas.
How to Locate and Activate Wen Liu
Wen Liu is found seven finger widths above your wrist crease. To locate it, start at the point on your wrist between the two tendons that become visible when you flex your thumb. Imagine a line connecting this spot to the midpoint between your elbow crease and the bony bump on the side of your elbow. Wen Liu lies along this line. Press around this area to find a spot that feels a bit sore or tender. These sensations indicate the presence of the acupoint. Sensitivity may be stronger if there is an energetic blockage in the meridian.
How to Activate Wen Liu
- Firm pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three 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 patch: Apply an herbal patch overnight for longer activation.
- Advanced methods: Acupuncture, scraping, or moxibustion, a gentle heat therapy using dried mugwort, by a trained professional, can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precautions
Avoid stimulating Wen Liu if the region is injured. When using herbal patches, select products without harsh synthetic ingredients, particularly if you have sensitive skin.
Just a Few Minutes Can Do the Trick
Picture a wave of warmth flushing stagnation from your arm. That’s the purpose of Wen Liu. A few minutes of attention today can spare you from chronic, unexplained discomfort tomorrow. Three minutes here and there is often all it takes.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
