Large Intestine (LI)

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Large Intestine Meridian (Hand Yang Ming) – Summary

The Large Intestine Meridian in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) governs elimination, helps control skin health, and clears heat and toxins from the body. It’s closely connected to the Lung Meridian, both physically and energetically.

🔹 Basic Info

Chinese Name: 手阳明大肠经 (Shǒu Yángmíng Dàcháng Jīng)
Element: Metal ⚙️
Yin-Yang Pair: Lung Meridian
Time of Peak Activity: 5 AM – 7 AM
Number of Points: 20 acupuncture points (LI-1 to LI-20)

🔹 Functions of the Large Intestine Meridian

Regulates bowel movements and fluid balance
Clears heat, toxins, and inflammation (especially from face/head)
Influences skin health, particularly the face and nose
Supports immunity, and expels external pathogens
Affects emotions related to letting go (grief, stubbornness)

🔹 Meridian Pathway

Starts at the index finger (LI-1)
Travels up the arm, shoulder, and neck
Ends at the side of the nose (LI-20)
Internally connects with the Large Intestine, Lungs, and lower teeth

🔹 Common Large Intestine Points

Point	Name (Pinyin)	Location	Function
LI-1	Shangyang	Tip of index finger	Clears heat, revives consciousness
LI-4	Hegu	Between thumb and index finger	Master point for pain, immunity, stress, headaches (contraindicated in pregnancy)
LI-10	Shousanli	Forearm	Arm strength, digestion, Qi tonification
LI-11	Quchi	Elbow crease	Cools heat, skin disorders, hypertension
LI-15	Jianyu	Shoulder	Shoulder pain, arm mobility
LI-20	Yingxiang	Beside nose	Sinus congestion, facial swelling, rhinitis