LI6 Piān Lì

Reviewed by · Licensed Acupuncturist & TCM Physician · Last reviewed June 2026

LI6 (Piān Lì, “Piān Lì”) is the Luo-Connecting Point point of the Large Intestine Meridian. It is located on the radial side of the posterior forearm, 3 cun proximal to the dorsal wrist crease (Yangxi, LI5), on the line connecting LI5 to LI11 (Quchi). It expels wind, clears heat, opens the water passages, and communicates with the Lung channel. It also opens the orifices and benefits the ears, eyes, and teeth.

Location

On the radial side of the posterior forearm, 3 cun proximal to the dorsal wrist crease (Yangxi, LI5), on the line connecting LI5 to LI11 (Quchi).

Needling

Perpendicular or oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun.

TCM functions

Expels wind, clears heat, opens the water passages, and communicates with the Lung channel. It also opens the orifices and benefits the ears, eyes, and teeth..

Indications

Shoulder, arm, elbow, and wrist pain, blurred vision, dim vision, toothache, nosebleed, sore throat, dry throat, facial paralysis, ear ringing, deafness, epilepsy, excessive talking, mania, seeing ghosts, an inability to urinate, edema of the limbs, ascites (water-swelling), wind-heat without sweating..

Luo-Connecting Point

Clinical notes

As the Luo-Connecting point of the Large Intestine channel, Pianli is classically indicated for conditions of both its own channel and its paired Lung channel. Its pathway addresses issues of the face, particularly the teeth, ears, and nose, making it useful for toothache, deafness, and nosebleeds. Its function of 'opening the water passages' is highlighted in its use for difficulty with urination and edema, a unique indication for a point on the arm.

On the Large Intestine channel

LI6 is one of 20 points on the Large Intestine Meridian. Nearby points:

Frequently asked questions

Where is LI6 located?

LI6 (Piān Lì) is located on the radial side of the posterior forearm, 3 cun proximal to the dorsal wrist crease (Yangxi, LI5), on the line connecting LI5 to LI11 (Quchi).

What is LI6 used for?

LI6 expels wind, clears heat, opens the water passages, and communicates with the Lung channel. It also opens the orifices and benefits the ears, eyes, and teeth. Common clinical indications include shoulder, arm, elbow, and wrist pain, blurred vision, dim vision, toothache, nosebleed, sore throat, dry throat, facial paralysis, ear ringing, deafness, epilepsy, excessive talking, mania, seeing ghosts, an inability to urinate, edema of the limbs, ascites (water-swelling), wind-heat without sweating.

How is LI6 needled?

Perpendicular or oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1.0 cun.

Which meridian is LI6 on?

LI6 is a point on the Large Intestine Meridian (Shǒu Yángmíng Dàcháng Jīng).

Interactive body mapConditions & evidenceFind an acupuncturistTCM glossary
⚠️ This page is for general education and is not medical advice. Acupuncture is a traditional practice; evidence varies by condition and study quality, and individual results differ. It does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Always consult a qualified acupuncturist or physician.