Large Intestine Meridian of Hand Yangming

Jing-Luo System

Traveling course of the regular meridian

It starts from LI 1 Shangyang (商阳), on the radial side of the tip of the index finger, runs upward along the anterior portion of the lateral aspect of the upper limb to the shoulder, goes up to the seventh cervical vertebra [DU 14 Dazhui (大椎)], where it meets the Du Meridian, descends into the supraclavicular fossa to communicate with the lung, and homes to the large intestine.

One branch from the supraclavicular fossa runs upward to the neck and cheek, enters the lower teeth and gums, curves around the mouth to the upper lip, crosses the opposite meridian at the philtrum [DU 26 Renzhong ], and ends on the side of the nose at LI 20 Yingxiang (迎香), where it links with the Stomach Meridian.

Traveling course of the divergent meridian

It diverges from the regular Large Intestine Meridian on the hand, and ascends the arm to the shoulder and breast. From the top of the shoulder at LI 15 Jianyu it enters the spine at the nape and runs downward to connect with the large intestine and lung. One branch travels along the throat and emerges at the supraclavicular fossa, where it rejoins the regular Large Intestine Meridian.

Traveling course of the collateral

It separates from the regular Large Intestine Meridian at LI 6 Pianli (偏历) and joins the Lung Meridian of Hand Taiyin 3 cun above the wrist. One branch ascends the arm to the shoulder through LI 15 Jianyu (肩髃), , and reaches the jaw and teeth. From the cheek, another branch enters the ear to join the zong mai or the gathering place of the Meridians of the Large Intestine, Stomach, Small Intestine, Gall Bladder, and San Jiao.

The muscle region

It starts at the tip of the index finger at LI 1 Shangyang (商阳) and knots at the dorsum of the wrist. Then it ascends the forearm and binds at the lateral aspect of the elbow. It continues to ascend the upper arm and binds at the shoulder. One branch winds around the scapula and attaches to the spine. From the shoulder the straight branch runs upward to the neck, where a branch ascends across the cheeks to bind at the side of the nose. Meanwhile, the straight branch continues to ascend anterior to the small intestine muscle region, crosses the temple to the corner of the forehead, and crosses over the top of the head to connect with the mandible on the opposite side.

The cutaneous regions

Point System

There are 20 points on the Large Intestine Meridian, among which the points underlined are commonly used. The range of treatment of the large intestine points includes disorders of the head (face), the five sense organs, and the bowels; febrile diseases and other disorders along the traveling course of the meridian, such as toothache, epistaxis, headache, sore throat, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation.

LI 1 Shangyang (商阳)

Name: Metal Yang. Shang is an ancient musical note and belongs to metal in the Five Elements Theory. This is a metal point on a Yang meridian.

Special Group: Jing-Well Point (metal) of the Large Intestine Meridian.

Location: On the radial side of the index finger, about 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail bed.

Actions: Clears heat and reduces swelling; opens orifices and restores consciousness.

Indications: Deafness, toothache (lower teeth in particular), sore throat, swelling of the jaw, finger numbness, heat disorders, loss of consciousness.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.1 cun or prick to induce bleeding.

LI 2 Erjian (二间)

Name: Second Space, Second Interval. It is the second point of the meridian.

Special Group: Ying-Spring Point (Water) of the Large Intestine Meridian.

Location: On the radial side of the index finger, at the junction of dark and light skin, distal to the metacarpophalangeal joint. The point is located with the finger slightly flexed.

Actions: Expels wind, clears heat, and reduces swelling.

Indications: Blurred vision, epistaxis, toothache, deviation of the mouth, sore throat, heat disorders.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.2–0.3 cun.

LI 3 Sanjian(三间)

Name: Third Space, Third Interval. It is the third point of the meridian.

Special Group: Shu-Stream Point (wood) of the Large Intestine Meridian.

Location: On the radial side of the second metacarpal bone, proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint. To locate the point, make a loose fist.

Actions: Expels wind, clears heat, and promotes the movement of Qi.

Indications: Eye pain, toothache, sore throat, feverish sensation of the body, abdominal fullness, borborygmus.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–0.8 cun.

LI 4 Hegu (合谷)

Name: Union Valley, Joining Valley. The name describes the shape of the local area between the first and second metacarpal bones which resembles a valley.

Special Group: (1) Yuan-Primary Point of the Large Intestine Meridian; (2) Command Point of the Face and Mouth.

Location: On the dorsum of the hand, approximately at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone on the radial side, between the first and second metacarpal bones, in the belly of the first interosseus dorsalis muscle. Simple method: Place in a coincident position the transverse crease of the interphalangeal joint of the thumb with the margin of the web between the thumb and the index finger of the other hand. The point is where the tip of the thumb touches

Actions: Alleviates pain, calms the spirit, promotes Qi and blood movement, activates the meridian and collaterals, expels wind, releases the exterior portion of the body, induces labor, and regulates perspiration.

Indications: Headache (on the frontal region in particular), redness, swelling and pain of the eye, epistaxis, sinusitis, toothache, trismus, deviation of the mouth and eye, deafness, parotitis, sore throat, heat disorders with anhidrosis, hidrosis, abdominal pain, constipation, amenorrhea, difficult labor.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun. Do not puncture if pregnancy is confirmed or suspected. Acupuncture of this point is not suggested for a menstruating woman unless one is specifically treating menstrual disorders.

LI 5 Yangxi (阳溪)

Name: Yang Ravine, Yang Stream. The Qi flows into this Jing-River point between two tendons like a stream running through a ravine. The area on the dorsal portion belongs to Yang.

Special Group: Jing-River Point (fire) of the Large Intestine Meridian.

Location: On the radial side of the wrist, on the transverse crease of the wrist, in the depression called the “anatomical snuffbox” or radial fossa between the tendons of the extensor pollicis longus and brevis muscles when the thumb is extended (Fig. 16.2).

Actions: Clears heat and expels wind.

Indications: Headache, redness, swelling and pain of the eye, deafness, tinnitus, toothache, sore throat, pain in the wrist.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–0.8 cun.

LI 6 Pianli (偏历)

Name: Veering Passage, Slanting Passage. The collateral of the Large Intestine Meridian separates at this point and veers to the Lung Meridian.

Special Group: Luo-Connecting Point of the Large Intestine Meridian.

Location: On the radial side of the antebrachial region, 3 cun above LI 5 Yangxi, on the line connecting LI 5 Yangxi and LI 11 Quchi at the lateral cubital crease .

Actions: Clears heat, opens the lung, and regulates the water passage.

Indications: Redness of the eye, tinnitus, epistaxis, sore throat, pain in the forearm, water retention.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

LI 7 Wenliu (温滞)

Name: Warm Flow, Temperate Flow. “Wen” “warm” suggests the nature of Yang Qi, and “Liu” means “to flow”. The name describes the Qi flow of Qi into this Xi-Cleft point.

Special Group: Xi-Cleft Point of the Large Intestine Meridian.

Location: On the radial side of the antebrachial region, 5 cun above LI 5 Yangxi, on the line connecting LI 5 Yangxi and LI 11 Quchi.

Actions: Clears heat, releases toxins, and harmonizes the intestines and stomach.

Indications: Headache, facial swelling, sore throat, borborygmus, abdominal pain, arm and shoulder pain.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

LI 8 Xialian(下廉)

Name: Lower Ridge. The point is located at the lower ridge of the muscular bulge near the cubital crease.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the line connecting LI 5 Yangxi and LI 11 Quchi, 4 cun below LI 11 Quchi.

Actions: Descends the Qi of Fu-organs and benefits the joints.

Indications: Headache, dizziness, eye pain, pain in the elbow and arm, abdominal bloating and pain.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

LI 9 Shanglian(上廉)

Name: Upper Ridge. The point is located at the upper ridge of the muscular bulge near the cubital crease.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the line connecting LI 5 Yangxi and LI 11 Quchi, 3 cun below LI 11 Quchi.

Actions: Descends the Qi of Fu organs and benefits the joints.

Indications: Headache, pain in the elbow and shoulder, hemiplegia, numbness of the arm and hand, borborygmus, abdominal pain.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

LI 10 Shousanli (手三里)

Name: Arm Three Li. The point is located 3 cun below the tip of the elbow. Li is a traditional Chinese measurement of distance (now standardized to 500 m) and implies the cun here.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the line connecting LI 5 Yangxi and LI 11 Quchi, 2 cun below LI 11 Quchi.

Actions: Expels wind, drains the meridian and collateral, and regulates the intestines and stomach.

Indications: Toothache, swelling of the jaw, paralysis of the upper limbs, abdominal pain, diarrhea.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.8–1.2 cun.

LI 11 Quchi (曲池)

Name: Crooked Pond, Pool at the Bend. The anatomical depression in the local area that occurs when the elbow is bent resembles a shallow pond.

Special Group: He-Sea Point (Earth) of the Large Intestine Meridian.

Location: When the elbow is flexed, the point is in the depression at the lateral end of the transverse cubital crease, midway between LU 5 Chize and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

Actions: Expels wind, releases the exterior portion of the body, clears heat, resolves dampness, and regulates Qi and blood.

Indications: Sore throat, toothache, redness, swelling and pain of the eye, Luo Li or scrofula urticaria, heat disorders, paralysis of the upper limbs, swelling and pain of the arm, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea, hypertension, Dian Kuang or manic–depressive syndrome.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 1–1.5 cun.

LI 12 Zhouliao (肘髎)

Name: Elbow Bone-hole. The name implies the location of the point near the bone of the elbow.

Special Group: None.

Location: When the elbow is flexed, the point is superior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, about 1 cun superolateral to LI 11 Quchi, on the medial border of the humerus.

Actions: Benefits the sinews and joints.

Indications: Pain, numbness, and contracture of the elbow and arm.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

LI 13 Shouwuli (手五里)

Name: Arm Five Li (Miles). The point is located 5 cun above the tip of elbow. Li is a Chinese measurement for distance (see LI 10 Shousanli) and implies the cun here.

Special Group: None.

Location: Superior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, on the line connecting LI 11 Quchi and LI 15 Jianyu, 3 cun above LI 11 Quchi.

Actions: Benefits the sinews, alleviates pain, promotes Qi movement, and dispels blood stasis.

Indications: Pain and contracture of the elbow and arm, Luo Li or scrofula.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–1 cun.

LI 14 Binao (臂臑)

Name: Upper Arm. “Binao” is the ancient name for the upper arm, which the point benefits.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the line connecting LI 11 Quchi and LI 15 Jianyu, 7 cun above LI 11 Quchi, on the radial side of the humerus, superior to the lower end of the deltoid muscle (Fig. 16.2).

Actions: Expels wind, drains the meridian and collateral, clears heat, and brightens the eyes.

Indications: Pain in the shoulder and arm, rigidity of the neck, Luo Li or scrofula, eye disorders.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly or obliquely upward 0.8–1.5 cun.

LI 15 Jianyu (肩髃)

Name: Shoulder Bone, Shoulder’s Corner. The name suggests the location of the point.

Special Group: None.

Location: Anterior and inferior to the acromion, on the upper portion of the deltoid muscle. When the arm is in full adduction, the point is in the anterior depression appearing at the border of the acromioclavicular joint.

Actions: Expels wind, drains the meridian and collateral, and benefits the joints.

Indications: Pain in the shoulder and arm with a limited range of motion, urticaria, Luo Li or scrofula.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly or obliquely downward 0.8–1.5 cun.

LI 16 Jugu (巨骨)

Name: Great Bone, Grand Bone. The original meaning of Jugu (“Grand Bone”) refers to the clavicle behind which the point is located.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Yang Qiao or Yang Heel Meridian.

Location: In the upper aspect of the shoulder, in the depression between the acromial extremity of the clavicle and the scapular spine.

Actions: Benefits the sinews and joints.

Indications: Pain in the shoulder and arm with a limited range of motion, Luo Li or scrofula, thyroid swelling or goiter.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–0.7 cun. Avoid bones.

LI 17 Tianding (天鼎)

Name: Celestial Tripod, Heavenly Cooking Vessel. The point is located above the shoulders at the neck and is thus named “Tian” (“Heaven”); the point is also near the posterior triangle of the neck, which resembles an ancient tripod.

Special Group: None.

Location: On the lateral side of the neck, 1 cun below LI 18 Futu, on the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

Actions: Benefits the throat and diaphragm, promotes Qi movement, and transforms phlegm.

Indications: Sore throat, sudden loss of voice, Luo Li or scrofula, thyroid swelling or goiter.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–0.8 cun.

LI 18 Futu (扶突)

Name: Protuberance Assistant, Support the Prominence. The point is located on both sides of the laryngeal prominence or Adam’s apple; the points flank the Adam’s apple like two guards.

Special Group: None, but it is said to be one of the “Window of Heaven” points.

Location: On the lateral side of the neck, between the sternal head and the clavicular head of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, 3 cun lateral to and level with the laryngeal prominence.

Actions: Benefits the throat and diaphragm, and disperses Lung-Qi.

Indications: Cough, difficult breathing, sore throat, sudden loss of voice, Luo Li or scrofula, thyroid swelling or goiter.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly 0.5–0.8 cun.

LI 19 Kouheliao (口和髎)

Name: Mouth Grain Bone-hole. The point is located above the mouth where the teeth articulate deeply with the facial bone.

Special Group: None.

Location: Superior to the upper lip, directly inferior to the lateral margin of the nostril, 0.5 cun lateral to and level with DU 26 Shuigou.

Actions: Expels wind and opens orifices.

Indications: Nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, epistaxis, deviation of the mouth, trismus.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly or obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun.

LI 20 Yingxiang (迎香花)

Name: Welcome Fragrance. The point improves olfactory Function.

Special Group: Crossing Point with the Stomach Meridian.

Location: In the nasolabial groove, level with the midpoint of the lateral border of the ala nasi.

Actions: Expels wind, clears heat, and opens the nasal orifice.

Indications: Nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, epistaxis, deviation of the mouth, facial itchiness.

Method: Puncture perpendicularly or obliquely 0.3–0.5 cun.