The Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian belongs to the Yangming Meridian and is a meridian with strong qi and blood. It can help strengthen the body's yang qi and remove excess heat and toxins. Let's now explain in detail the course of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian.
Course of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian
The Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian starts at the end of the index finger (Shangyang), runs along the radial (inner) side of the index finger (Erjian, Sanjian), passes between the first and second metacarpal bones (Hegu), enters the depression between the tendons of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis muscles (Yangxi), runs along the radial side of the forearm (Pianli, Wenliu, Xialian, Shanglian, Shousanli), enters the outer side of the elbow (Quchi, Zouliao), continues along the anterior edge of the upper arm (Shouwuli, Bi Na), goes up to the shoulder, runs along the anterior edge of the shoulder peak, meets at the neck (Dazhui), then descends to the supraclavicular fossa (Guanquan), connects with the lungs, and belongs to the large intestine by passing through the diaphragm.
Branches of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian
From the supraclavicular fossa, it runs upward along the neck (Tianding, Futu), passes through the face, enters the lower gingiva, then loops back to the upper lip, crossing at the philtrum - left meridian goes to the right, right meridian goes to the left, and distributes on both sides of the nostrils, connecting with the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian.
Functions of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian
The Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian is the guardian of the lungs and skin. It helps the lungs eliminate turbid qi in a timely manner, thereby maintaining lung health. It also helps the body eliminate toxins accumulated in the body, effectively preventing and treating skin diseases. Regularly stimulating the Large Intestine Meridian can also eliminate excess heat in the body, which is very effective in treating constipation. At the same time, it can enhance the body's immune system and prevent the formation of lymphadenitis.
The large intestine governs the body fluids. Only when the body fluids circulate normally can the skin be smooth and glossy. If the body fluids are insufficient, wrinkles may appear on the skin, and various diseases may also occur. The treatment effects of the large intestine and lungs complement each other. Stimulating the acupoints of the large intestine meridian can clear the path of waste, maintain normal fluid metabolism, nourish the skin with body fluids, and also relieve skin diseases.
Distribution, Acupoints, and Functions of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian
Shangyang: Located on the radial side of the index finger, about 0.1 cun from the side of the nail. It has the functions of purging heat, reducing swelling, and awakening the mind.
Erjian: Slightly clench the fist, on the radial side of the second metacarpophalangeal joint, at the junction of the red and white flesh. It has the functions of dispersing wind, clearing heat, and reducing swelling.
Sanjian: Located on the back of the hand, in the depression behind the small head of the second metacarpal bone on the radial side of the index finger. It has the functions of dispersing wind, releasing the surface, and moving qi.
Hegu: Located between the first and second metacarpal bones on the back of the hand, at the midpoint on the radial side of the second metacarpal bone. It has the functions of opening the meridian, clearing heat, and calming and relieving pain.
Yangxi: Located on the radial side of the wrist, between the tendons of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis muscles, when the thumb is raised. It has the function of clearing heat and dispersing wind.
Quchi: Located on the outer side of the elbow, at the end of the transverse crease of the elbow, at the midpoint of the line connecting the cubital fossa and the outer supracondylar ridge of the humerus. It has the functions of harmonizing qi and blood, dispelling wind, clearing heat, and promoting diuresis.
Yingxiang: Located on the outer edge of the nostril, beside the midpoint of the nasolabial groove. It has the functions of dispelling wind, promoting meridian circulation, and opening the nasal passages.
Pianli: Slightly clench the fist, bend the elbow, located 3 cun above Yangxi on the line connecting Yangxi and Quchi. It has the functions of clearing heat and regulating the lungs, and promoting water metabolism.
Wenliu: Slightly clench the fist, bend the elbow, located 5 cun above Yangxi. It has the functions of clearing heat and detoxifying, and regulating the stomach.
Xialian: Slightly clench the fist, bend the elbow, located 4 cun below Quchi on the line connecting Yangxi and Quchi. It has the functions of promoting abdominal qi and relieving joint pain.
Shanglian: Slightly clench the fist, bend the elbow, located 3 cun below Quchi on the line connecting Yangxi and Quchi. It has the functions of promoting abdominal qi and relieving joint pain.
Shousanli: Located on the line connecting Yangxi and Quchi, 2 cun below Quchi. It has the functions of opening the meridian, dispelling wind, clearing heat, and regulating the stomach.
Zhouliu: Located 1 cun above Quchi, when the elbow is flexed, at the edge of the humerus. It has the function of relaxing tendons and relieving stiffness.
Shouwuli: Located 3 cun above Quchi on the line connecting Quchi and Jianyu. It has the functions of relaxing tendons, relieving pain, promoting qi circulation, and dispersing stasis.
Binao: Located 7 cun above Quchi on the line connecting Quchi and Jianyu. It has the functions of dispelling wind, promoting meridian circulation, and clearing heat to improve vision.
Jianyu: Located below the anterior part of the shoulder peak, between the shoulder peak and the greater tubercle of the humerus, in the anterior depression when the upper arm is raised. It has the functions of dispersing wind, harmonizing qi and blood, and promoting joint mobility.
Jugu: Located in the depression between the clavicle and the shoulder peak, between the suprascapular fossa and the scapular spine. It has the functions of opening the meridian, promoting joint mobility.
Tianding: The red dot on the line connecting Futu and Quepen, at the posterior margin of the clavicular head of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It has the functions of promoting qi transformation, clearing the throat, and relieving the diaphragm.
Futu: Located 3 cun beside the laryngeal prominence, between the sternal end of the clavicle and the acromial end of the clavicle. It has the functions of dispersing and benefiting lung qi, clearing the throat, and relieving the diaphragm.
Heliao: Located directly below the outer edge of the nostril, level with Renzhong. It has the function of dispelling wind and opening the orifices.
Commonly Treated Diseases of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian
Upper respiratory tract infections: such as colds, fever, cough, headache, etc.; Head and face diseases: such as facial spasms, facial paralysis, thyroid enlargement, tinnitus, hearing loss, sinusitis, etc.; Large intestine functional disorders: such as abdominal pain, bowel sounds, diarrhea, constipation, etc.; Diseases of the parts the meridian passes through: such as finger and hand back pain, elbow and shoulder pain, etc.
Health Preservation Time for the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian
During the Mao period, qi and blood flow to the Large Intestine Meridian, which means that the Large Intestine Meridian has the strongest qi flow from 5 am to 7 am. It is best to exercise after having a bowel movement in the morning. You can rub one arm with the other hand, focusing on massaging the front of the arm, face, and neck to promote the circulation of qi and blood in the Large Intestine Meridian. You can also practice Tai Chi or do health exercises to stretch the meridians.
