Large Intestine Meridian - The Large Intestine Channel of Hand Yang-Ming

Large Intestine Meridian pathway diagram

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Quick Facts

Associated Organ

Large Intestine

Acupuncture Points

20 points

Peak Hours

05:00 - 07:00

Flow Direction

Centripetal (toward torso)

Overview

The Large Intestine Meridian (Hand Yangming) is a primary Yang pathway that runs from the index finger up the arm to the face, ending beside the nose. As the Yang partner of the Lung Meridian, it belongs to the Metal element and governs elimination, detoxification, and the body's ability to let go—both physically and emotionally. This meridian is particularly rich in Qi and Blood, making its points highly effective for clearing heat, reducing inflammation, and treating disorders of the face, teeth, throat, and intestines. Peak activity occurs between 5-7 AM, the optimal time for bowel movements and elimination.

24-Hour Qi Circulation Cycle

Previous in cycle

Lung Meridian

Current Channel

Large Intestine Meridian

05:00 - 07:00

Peak Activity Hours

Next in cycle

Stomach Meridian

Channel Pathways

The Large Intestine Meridian consists of multiple channel systems, each with its own pathway and clinical significance.

Large Intestine Primary Channel

手阳明大肠经 | Shǒu Yáng Míng Dà Cháng Jīng

Pathway Description

The external pathway:

The Large Intestine Primary Channel originates from Shangyang LI-1, at the radial aspect of the corner of the index finger nail. LI-1 connects to a Lung Primary Channel branch at Lieque LU-7.
Running along the radial side of the index finger, it then passes between the first and second metacarpal bones at Hegu LI-4.
It then runs through Yangxi LI-5 at the depression between the tendons of extensor pollicis longus and brevis.
Afterwards, it ascends along the lateral aspect of the forearm and reaches Quchi LI-11 at the elbow.
Continuing ascending along the lateral aspect of the upper arm, it arrives at Jianyu LI-15 of the shoulder joint.
From there, it crosses the shoulder and reaches Jugu LI-16 at the depression between the scapular spine and the lateral extremity of the clavicle.
Running in a medial direction, the Channel then passes through Bingfeng SI-12 in the center of the suprascapular fossa.
It then arrives at Dazhui DU-14, which is below the 7th spinous process (C7) and also the meeting point for all other 5 Yang Channels.
Finally, it crosses the shoulder and enters the supraclavicular fossa at Quepen ST-12.

The internal pathway:

From ST-12, the Primary Channel goes internally.
It descends through the Lungs, penetrates the diaphragm and finally arrives at the Large Intestine.
According to some books, the internal Primary Channel continues descending to Shangjuxu ST-37 at the lateral aspect of the lower leg. This is the lower He-Sea point of the Large Intestine.

Branches:

One external branch separates from Quepen ST-12, ascending along the lateral aspect of the neck. It then ascends the cheek, enters the lower gums and curves around the upper lip. After crossing Renzhong DU-26 at the philtrum, it goes to the opposite side of the face and ends at Yingxiang LI-20 next to the nose, which is also the connecting point with the Stomach Channel.

Large Intestine Divergent Channel

手阳明经别 | Shǒu Yáng Míng Jīng Bié

Large Intestine Sinew Channel

手阳明经筋 | Shǒu Yáng Míng Jīng Jīn

Pathway Description

The Large Intestine Sinew Channel starts at Shangyang LI-1 around the tip of the index finger.
After ascending the dorsum of the index finger as well as hand, it binds at Yuanxi LI-5 at the wrist.
Continues ascending the forearm, the Sinew Channel binds again at Quchi LI-11 at the lateral aspect of the elbow.
It then goes up further along lateral aspect of the forearm and makes another bind at Jianyu LI-15 at the shoulder.
From the shoulder, the Sinew Channel separates into two branches:
- The main branch ascends the neck by crossing the supraclavicular fossa and binds at the angle of the jaw. It then forms two subbranches:
  - One subbranch ascends the cheek and binds at the side of the nose.
  - The other one ascends the lateral aspect of the face anterior to Benshen GB-13, which is the meeting point of the 3 Hand Yang Sinew Channels. It then continues crossing over the top of the head and terminates at the lower jaw on the opposite side.
- The other branch spreads across the scapula and attaches to the spine between the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) and the 5th thoracic vertebra (T5). This is also the region between Dazhui DU-14 and Shendao DU-11.

Large Intestine Luo-Connecting Vessel System

手阳明络脉 | Shǒu Yáng Míng Luò Mài

Pathway Description

The Large Intestine Luo-Connecting Vessel System starts at Pianli LI-6 on the forearm, which is the Channel's Luo-Connecting point.
From there it forms a three-dimensional reticular network composed of various branches and subbranches.
- One branch connects with the Lung Primary Channel interiorly and exteriorly.
- The main branch ascends along the Primary Channel to Jianyu LI-15 on the shoulder. It then passes Quepen ST-12 in the center of supraclavicular fossa, runs up the neck to the mandibular angle and eventually spreads there:
  - One subbranch runs to the teeth
  - Another enters the ear and connects with all Channels that reaches the ear.

Five Element Correspondences

Traditional associations of the Large Intestine and its meridian within the Five Element framework.

Emotion

Grief and Sadness

Color

White

Taste

Pungent (Spicy)

Climate

Dryness

Sense Organ

Nose

Tissue

Skin and Body Hair

Manifests In

Skin and Body Hair

Sound

Weeping (Crying)

Body Fluid

Nasal Mucus

Acupuncture Points

Acupuncture points along the Large Intestine Meridian and related points from other channels.

20 Points on this Channel

Shangyang

LI-1

Erjian

LI-2

Sanjian

LI-3

Hegu

LI-4

Yangxi

LI-5

Pianli

LI-6

Wenliu

LI-7

Xialian

LI-8

Shanglian

LI-9

Shousanli

LI-10

Quchi

LI-11

Zhouliao

LI-12

Shouwuli

LI-13

Binao

LI-14

Jianyu

LI-15

Jugu

LI-16

Tianding

LI-17

Futu

LI-18

Kouheliao

LI-19

Yingxiang

LI-20

Related Points from Other Channels

Dazhui DU-14

Meeting point where LI primary channel intersects with Governing Vessel and other Yang meridians

Dicang ST-4

LI channel passes through this Stomach point near the mouth

Renzhong DU-26

Left and right LI channels cross at this point on the philtrum

Shangjuxu ST-37

Lower He-Sea point of the Large Intestine (on Stomach meridian)

Detailed Information

In-depth information about the Large Intestine Meridian and its clinical significance.

Overview

The Large Intestine Meridian of Hand Yangming (手阳明大肠经) is one of the 12 principal meridians in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is classified as 'Yangming' meaning 'Bright Yang'—the most active phase of Yang energy. This meridian is interiorly-exteriorly paired with the Lung Meridian, both belonging to the Metal element. According to the Spiritual Pivot (Ling Shu), 'the Yangming channel is abundant in Qi and Blood,' making its points among the most clinically useful for regulating energy throughout the body.

Pathway and Trajectory

Primary Channel: The meridian begins at the radial side of the index finger tip (LI-1 Shangyang), travels along the index finger, passes through the web space between the thumb and index finger (LI-4 Hegu), enters between the tendons of the thumb, continues along the lateral forearm, enters the elbow at LI-11 (Quchi), ascends the lateral upper arm, reaches the shoulder (LI-15 Jianyu), then goes to the seventh cervical vertebra to meet with other Yang meridians at DU-14 (Dazhui). From there, it descends into the supraclavicular fossa, connects with the Lungs, passes through the diaphragm, and belongs to the Large Intestine.

Branch: A branch ascends from the supraclavicular fossa along the neck, through the cheek, enters the lower gums, curves around the upper lip, crosses at the philtrum (DU-26), with left and right sides crossing to opposite sides, ending beside the nose at LI-20 (Yingxiang), where it connects with the Stomach Meridian.

Key Acupuncture Points

LI-1 (Shangyang): Jing-Well point; clears heat, benefits throat
LI-4 (Hegu): Yuan-Source point; one of the most important points in acupuncture, treats pain, fever, and facial disorders
LI-6 (Pianli): Luo-Connecting point; links with Lung channel
LI-10 (Shousanli): Regulates intestines, strengthens arm
LI-11 (Quchi): He-Sea point; clears heat, cools blood, treats skin conditions and hypertension
LI-15 (Jianyu): Benefits shoulder, expels wind
LI-20 (Yingxiang): Opens nasal passages, treats sinus conditions

Clinical Applications

The Large Intestine Meridian treats conditions affecting the regions it traverses, including: disorders of the face, cheeks, forehead, eyes, nose, lips, gums, and teeth; removing wind-cold and wind-heat from the exterior; clearing internal heat and 'Yangming fire'; aiding the Lung in its functions; and regulating Qi and Blood in the limbs for conditions like painful obstruction, atrophy, and hemiplegia.

Associated Symptoms

Along the channel: Shoulder and arm pain, tennis elbow, index finger pain, neck stiffness, facial paralysis, toothache, sore throat, nosebleeds, sinusitis, skin rashes and acne.

Organ-related: Constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating, borborygmus (intestinal rumbling), dysentery. The meridian also addresses respiratory complaints through its connection with the Lung.

Emotional and Spiritual Aspects

As a Metal element meridian, the Large Intestine relates to the emotion of grief and the process of 'letting go.' Imbalances may manifest as difficulty releasing the past, holding grudges, rigidity in thinking, or inability to process loss. When balanced, this meridian supports healthy boundaries, clear thinking, and the capacity to release what no longer serves us—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

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