The large intestine is an organ that transports waste material. Digestive disorders, consumption of unclean food, or other organ imbalances can cause diseases of the large intestine. When waste material is not properly eliminated and becomes stagnant, toxins can accumulate in the body, affecting health. Massaging the large intestine meridian can effectively prevent these conditions. So how do you massage the large intestine meridian?
Self-massage method for the large intestine meridian
The Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian is located on the outer side of the arm. The best way to maintain the large intestine meridian is to: hold your hand in a loose fist (not too tight), starting from the wrist, tap along the meridian in a downward to upward direction (because the flow of energy and blood in the large intestine meridian is from bottom to top, from hand to head). When tapping, you can sit on a chair, bend your right arm and stretch it towards the left side, place your hand on the left thigh, and then use your left hand to start tapping from the wrist to the elbow, all the way to the shoulder. The meridian being tapped is the large intestine meridian. Tap for 5 minutes with one hand, then switch hands for massage.
Main acupressure points of the large intestine meridian
Use the Hegu acupoint for massage. The tip of the thumb of the other hand is pressed against the edge of the tiger's mouth where the first joint of the thumb crosses the transverse creases when flexed. The point where the thumb tip points is the Hegu acupoint.
Massage method: Press the thumb perpendicular to the Hegu acupoint, applying a firm pressure followed by a release, at a frequency of about once every 2 seconds, or about 30 times per minute. The pressure needs to be strong until there is a feeling of soreness, numbness, heaviness, or pain at the acupoint. There may even be a sensation radiating to the fingertip and above the elbow.
Note: For patients with poor physical condition, the pressure should be reduced. Strong stimulation should be avoided. Pregnant women should not massage the Hegu acupoint as it may have adverse effects on the fetus.
Benefits of massaging the large intestine meridian
Massaging the large intestine meridian daily can maintain the smooth flow of energy and blood in the meridian, normalize excretory function, and prevent the accumulation of toxins in the body, reducing the chances of constipation and respiratory problems. Furthermore, the lungs and large intestine are closely related, so regular massage of the large intestine meridian can also help with lung-related diseases. Tapping the large intestine meridian can also invigorate the energy and blood in the arms, preventing arm soreness and pain.
Main diseases treated by the large intestine meridian
The organs and parts along the pathway of the large intestine meridian include the large intestine, lungs, mouth, cheeks, lower teeth, and nose. It is mainly used to treat diseases related to the large intestine meridian, such as headache, toothache, throat swelling and pain, nasal diseases, coughing, diarrhea, constipation, dysentery, abdominal pain, high fever, and pain on the outer edge of the upper limbs. Hegu and Yingxiang are commonly used important acupoints.
Pathway of the large intestine meridian
It starts at the tip of the index finger (Shangyang), runs along the inner (radial) side of the index finger, passes between the first and second metacarpal bones (Hegu), and enters the depression between the two tendons (extensor pollicis longus tendon and extensor pollicis brevis tendon) (Yangxi). It then runs along the anterior aspect of the forearm to the outer side of the elbow, and continues along the anterior margin of the upper arm, anterior to the shoulder peak, upwards to the cervical spine, downwards to the diaphragm, and finally connects to the lungs, belonging to the large intestine.
