Large Intestine Meridian (Shǒu Yángmíng Dàcháng Jīng, 手阳明大肠经) is a primary channel in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, associated with the Metal phase, Yang in polarity, interiorly-exteriorly paired with the Lung. This channel governs the transportation and transformation of waste, facilitating the excretion of turbid qi.
| Chinese | 手阳明大肠经 |
| Pinyin | Shǒu Yángmíng Dàcháng Jīng |
| Group | primary |
| Element | Metal |
| Yin / Yang | Yang |
| Organ | Large Intestine |
| Paired organ | Lung |
| Organ clock | 5am-7am |
| Number of points | 20 |
The Large Intestine channel begins at the tip of the index finger (LI1), ascends along the radial aspect of the index finger and the dorsal aspect of the hand between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones. It continues along the lateral anterior aspect of the forearm to the lateral side of the elbow, then along the lateral aspect of the upper arm to the shoulder. From the shoulder, it crosses the superior aspect of the shoulder to the 7th cervical vertebra (GV14), then descends into the supraclavicular fossa, connecting with the Lung channel and penetrating the diaphragm to enter the Large Intestine. A branch ascends from the supraclavicular fossa along the neck, through the cheek, entering the lower gums and curving around the upper lip to terminate at the opposite side of the nose (LI20).
This channel governs the transportation and transformation of waste, facilitating the excretion of turbid qi. It plays a crucial role in fluid metabolism, particularly reabsorbing water from digested food. The Large Intestine channel also influences the immune system and the body's defensive qi, especially in the head and face.
Disorders manifest as abdominal pain, borborygmus, diarrhea, or constipation. Locally, pain and motor impairment of the index finger, hand, arm, shoulder, and neck may occur. Other symptoms include toothache, sore throat, epistaxis, and facial paralysis.
The Large Intestine channel begins at the tip of the index finger (LI1), ascends along the radial aspect of the index finger and the dorsal aspect of the hand between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones. It continues along the lateral anterior aspect of the forearm to the lateral side of the elbow, then along the lateral aspect of the upper arm to the shoulder. From the shoulder, it crosses the superior aspect of the shoulder to the 7th cervical vertebra (GV14), then descends into the supraclavicular fossa, connecting with the Lung channel and penetrating the diaphragm to enter the Large Intestine. A branch ascends from the supraclavicular fossa along the neck, through the cheek, entering the lower gums and curving around the upper lip to terminate at the opposite side of the nose (LI20).
This channel governs the transportation and transformation of waste, facilitating the excretion of turbid qi. It plays a crucial role in fluid metabolism, particularly reabsorbing water from digested food. The Large Intestine channel also influences the immune system and the body's defensive qi, especially in the head and face.
The Large Intestine Meridian has 20 acupuncture points, from LI1 to LI20.