Luo Points

Yuan-Luo Combination Method: The most common clinical application pairs a Luo point with the Yuan (Source) point of its paired channel. For example, if a patient has Large Intestine pathology (constipation, skin issues), combine LI-4 Hegu (the Large Intestine Yuan point) with LU-7 Lieque (the Lung Luo point). This enhances the therapeutic effect by engaging both channels of the pair. The technique is particularly useful after an acute illness has passed but an imbalance remains between paired channels.

Treating Both Meridians: Because each Luo point connects two channels, needling it can address conditions along either pathway. LU-7 Lieque can treat both Lung symptoms (cough, breathing issues) and Large Intestine symptoms (toothache, jaw pain). This makes Luo points efficient choices when a patient presents with symptoms involving both paired organs.

Bloodletting Technique: For acute heat or inflammation conditions, pricking the Luo point or nearby visible blood vessels to release a few drops of blood can quickly clear heat and reduce swelling. ST-40 Fenglong is particularly used for phlegm conditions, while SP-4 Gongsun addresses acute digestive disorders.

Emotional Conditions: The yin channel Luo points are frequently selected for anxiety, depression, and insomnia. PC-6 Neiguan is essential for calming the mind and treating palpitations; HT-5 Tongli addresses speech problems and emotional disturbances related to the Heart; LR-5 Ligou is notably the only Liver channel point with significant classical indications for psychological symptoms.

Channel Pair Imbalances: When symptoms suggest disorder in both paired organs (for example, respiratory issues with digestive symptoms, suggesting Lung-Large Intestine imbalance), Luo points offer an efficient treatment strategy. The practitioner can needle the Luo point of one channel to influence both.

Chronic Stagnation: Long-standing conditions often lodge in the Luo network, appearing as spider veins, persistent dull pain, or skin changes. These "Blood level" conditions require different treatment approaches than acute problems—Luo points, bloodletting, and techniques working on the superficial network become essential.

Transfer of Pathology: Luo points can move therapeutic effects from one side of the body to the other. For pain or pathology on the right side, needling the corresponding Luo point on the left can be effective—particularly useful when the affected area can't be needled directly due to injury or sensitivity.

Specific Clinical Applications: ST-40 Fenglong is one of the most important points for resolving phlegm anywhere in the body. SP-4 Gongsun, also an Extraordinary Vessel confluent point, treats digestive disorders and connects to the Chong Mai. PC-6 Neiguan is essential for nausea, anxiety, and cardiac conditions. BL-58 Feiyang is used for sciatica and lower limb pain. LU-7 Lieque, a Four Command Point, treats head, neck, and respiratory conditions.

The Luo-Connecting Points are unified by their function as junction points where collateral vessels branch off from the primary meridians. Each of the 12 main channels has exactly one Luo point, located between the wrist/ankle and elbow/knee joints—always on the limbs. The Ren Mai (Directing Vessel), Du Mai (Governing Vessel), and the Great Luo of the Spleen add three more points on the trunk, bringing the total to 15.

Clinically, the Luo points serve as a treatment method when there's imbalance between paired yin-yang channels, chronic stagnation affecting the collateral network, or conditions where symptoms appear on both sides of the body. The classic "Yuan-Luo" combination pairs the Source point of one channel with the Luo point of its paired channel to regulate flow between them. Additionally, Luo points can treat the opposite side of the body—needling a Luo point on the left can address pathology on the right.

For acute inflammation or blood stagnation in the superficial vessels, bloodletting at the Luo point or nearby visible vessels is a traditional technique that remains clinically effective. The Luo system is also the theoretical basis for skin-level treatments like plum-blossom needling, cupping, and gua sha.