Large Intestine Meridian
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LI-6
Luo-Connecting Point
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique), 10-15° (Transverse)
Body Area
Forearm
Location
3 cun above Yangxi LI-5, on the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.
Main Actions
- Regulates water passages
- Expels Wind and clears Heat
Indications
Commentary
The Large Intestine Channel goes through the Lungs, which is the pairing Zang Organ for the Channel.
When Exterior Pernicious Evils invade and penetrate the Defensive Qi in the space between the skin and muscles, Lungs' water passaging controlling function is impaired. This gives rise to symptoms such as urinary difficulty, borborygmi as well as oedema in the hand, face and abdomen. This issue can also be the result of prolonged Lung Qi Deficiency.
Furthermore, Pianli LI-6 is a major point in regulating and opening the water passage by moving and transforming Body Fluids in the Upper Burner.
It also removes Painful Obstruction Syndrome by expelling Wind-Heat.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (Jing Mai Chapter): "The Luo of Hand Yangming is named Pianli. It separates 3 cun above the wrist, enters into Taiyin (Lung). Its branch ascends along the arm, crosses the shoulder, goes up to the jaw and spreads over the teeth. Another branch enters the ear to meet with the ancestral vessels. In excess, there is tooth decay and deafness; in deficiency, there is cold teeth and blockage of the diaphragm. Treat at the point where it separates."
Zhen Jiu Jia Yi Jing: "Wind-malaria with absence of sweating, Pianli governs. Manic raving, tinnitus, deviation of the mouth, swelling of the cheek, in excess deafness and tooth decay, throat obstruction unable to speak, toothache, nasal congestion and epistaxis; in deficiency there is numbness—Geshu and Pianli govern."
Zhen Jing Biao You Fu: "Needling Pianli promotes urination, treating adults with water drum (ascites)."
How to Locate
The forearm is recommended to be in a midposition with flexed elbow. Pianli LI-6 is located 3 cun or 1 handsbreath from the Yangxi LI-5 on the connecting line to Quchi LI-11. Located at the same level 3 cun proximal to the wrist crease on the dorsal side of the forearm, Zhigou TB-6 is in the depression between the radius and the muscle. Huizong TB-7 is in the depression between the ulna and the muscle. Jianshi P-5 is on the ventral side of the forearm between the tendons.
Caution
The cephalic vein runs in this area. While not a dangerous point, practitioners should be mindful of the superficial veins and apply appropriate pressure after needle removal to prevent minor bruising. The radial nerve branches are nearby, so avoid aggressive manipulation if the patient reports sharp or electric sensations.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique) / 10-15° (Transverse)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Obliquely or transversely 0.5–1 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension at the needling site, which may radiate proximally along the forearm toward the elbow or distally toward the wrist. Some patients experience a sensation extending along the radial aspect of the forearm.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Special Point Classifications
Luo-Connecting Point
Related Resources
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