Hand Yangming Luo Vessel is one of the fifteen Luo vessels. In the Ling Shu: Jing Mai, it states: “The branch of Hand Yangming,known as Pian Li, is located three inches from the wrist, diverging into the Taiyin; its branch ascends along the arm, traversing the shoulder, curving up to the cheek and the lateral teeth; another branch enters the ear, connecting with the Zong vessel.” This Luo vessel originates from the Pian Li point, located three inches above the wrist, and connects to the Hand Taiyin Lung channel; its collateral pathway runs along the arm to the shoulder, reaching the angle of the jaw and spreading throughout the teeth; another branch enters the ear at the jaw angle, merging with the Zong vessel. When this Luo vessel is affected by pathology, it can manifest as dental caries and hearing loss; in a deficient state, it may present as cold teeth and chest obstruction with poor flow.
Symptoms
Excess condition: presents with toothache and hearing loss;
Deficiency condition: presents with cold teeth and chest obstruction, which can be treated using the Luo point Pian Li.
Pian Li Point
The term ‘Pian’ implies something uneven or incorrect. In the Shuo Wen, it states, “Li means to pass through.” In the Lun Heng: Chao Qi, it states: “To connect the upper and lower is called Li.” This point is located on the radial side of the forearm, at the back side of the radius, and branches off to connect with the Taiyin. The Qi of the meridian passes through here, diverging into the Taiyin, hence the name Pian Li. Yang Shangshan states: “The Hand Yangming channel diverges from this Luo, traverses the arm, and connects with the Taiyin, thus it is called Pian Li.” Location: With the elbow flexed, it is located on the dorsal side of the forearm on the radial side, three inches above the wrist crease, along the line connecting Yangxi and Quchi. Method of locating: Cross the thumbs of both hands vertically, and the tip of the middle finger will fall into a depression on the dorsal side of the forearm, which is the point.