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The Large Intestine meridian starts at the radial side of the index finger, at LI 1 (Shangyang).
The meridian then runs along the radial side of the index finger and passes between the 1 st and 2nd
metacarpal bones at LI 4. It dips into the anatomical snuff box at LI 5 and continues on the lateral
aspect of the forearm and continues to the lateral end of the cubital crease at LI 11.
The meridian then travels up the arm to LI 15 near the anterior border of the acromion process, then
runs to the back, behind the shoulder, traveling in a medial direction to C7, where it meets the
DU meridian at GV 14 (Dazhui) is located, before going to the supraclavicular fossa (GV 14 is where all
the Yang meridians meet)
i) From the supraclavicular fossa, the meridian travels up the neck and cheek, curves around
the upper lip, crosses the philtrum and terminates at the midpoint of the ala nasi on the
opposite side at LI 20 to connect with the ST meridian.
From the cheek, the meridian internally connects with the lower gums.
***some texts mention that the meridian connects with the Ren meridian at CV 24
(Chengjiang) and with the Du meridian at GV 26 (Renzhong/Shuigou).
ii) The other branch from the supraclavicular fossa runs internally to connect with the LU,
diaphragm and LI before continuing down to ST 37, the Lower He-Sea point of the meridian.
LI 1, 4 , 5, 6, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 20
Most of the points have a strong effect on the face, and along the meridian. The distal points have a
good effect for headache and the sense organs: nose, eyes, ears
LI 1
Location: On the dorsal aspect of the index finger, at the junction of lines
drawn along the radial border of the nail and the base of the nail,
approximately 0.1 cun from the corner of the nail.
Needling method: superficial, perpendicular or oblique
Moxa: no
Actions:
LI 3
Location: When a loose fist is made, the point is on the radial side of the
index finger, in the depression proximal to the head of the second
metacarpal bone. Massage carefully to find the tender point
Needling method: perpendicular
Moxa: yes
Actions:
LI 4
Location: On the dorsum of the hand, between the first and second
metacarpal bones, at the midpoint of the second metacarpal bone and
close to its radial border. Ask the patient to squeeze the thumb against the
base of the index finger, and locate LI 4 at the highest point of the bulge of
the muscle and approximately level with the end of the crease
Needling method: perpendicular
Moxa: yes
Precaution: contraindicated in pregnant women
It is the Yuan point of the LI meridian
Actions:
LI 5
Location: On the radial side of the wrist, in the centre of the hollow formed
by the tendons of extensor pollicis longus and brevis (anatomical snuffbox).
Ask the subject to extend the thumb to emphasise the hollow of the
anatomical snuffbox; ii. Look carefully to locate the cephalic vein which
runs through the anatomical snuffbox in order to avoid needling through the
vein.
Needling method: superficial perpendicular
Moxa: yes
Actions:
LI 6
Removes dampness
o Aching of the hand and arm and oedema due to Lung failing to
descend and clear waste passages.
Clears heat and fire
o Redness of the eye, epistaxis, tinnitus, sore throat
Frees the joints and the collaterals.
o Aching of the hand and arm and oedema due to Lung failing to
descend and clear waste passages
LI 10
Location: Location: on the radial side of the forearm, 2 cun distal to LU 11,
on the line connecting LU 11 with LU 5. Locate with the elbow flexed and
with the radial side of the arm upwards.
Needling method: perpendicular or oblique
Moxa: yes
Actions:
LI 11
Actions:
Find LI 15 first. Abduct the arm to find a depression at the end of the acromion, between the origins
of the anterior and middle heads of the deltoid. Mark this point.
Then measure the distance between the cubital crease, where LI 11 is and the axillary crease which is
9 cun. Divide this into thirds to find 6 cun. Divide the distal third into thirds to find 1 cun. 6 cun plus 1
cun makes 7 cun up from LI 11 where LI 14 is located on the line between LI 11 and LI 15.
LI 14
Actions:
LI 15
Location: in the depression which lies anterior and inferior to the acromion,
at the origin of the deltoid muscle.
(SJ 14 is located in the depression which lies posterior and inferior to the
acromion)
Needling method: perpendicular or downward oblique
Moxa: yes
Crossing point of the LI and Yang Qiao meridians
Actions:
Promotes free flow the meridian’s Qi and stops pain (clears stagnation in the meridian)
o Pain in the shoulder and arm (Wei or Bi syndrome).
Resolves dampness.
o Faint skin eruptions and urticaria
o Scrofula due to phlegm-damp stagnation
LI 18
Location: on the lateral side of the neck, level with the tip of the laryngeal
prominence (Adam’s apple) and 3 cun lateral, between the sternal and
clavicular heads of the sternocleidomastoid muscles. To locate the point,
we need to ask the patient to turn their head away from the side to be
needled whilst we apply resistance on the chin.
Needling method: perpendicular and shallow
Moxa: no
Actions:
Regulates Lung Qi
o Cough, asthmatic breathing due to Lung Qi deficiency failing to disperse and descend
the Qi
Clears the throat.
o Congested and sore throat, sudden loss of voice (either excess or deficient type)
o Scrofula and goitre
LI 20
LI6* epistaxis