Effectively Utilizing “Luo Points” for Rapid ResultsAuthor: Yang Chengqi, Transcribed by Yang Liping
The “Fifteen Luo Points” refer to the acupuncture points where the fifteen collaterals branch off from their respective meridians. The Luo points of the twelve primary meridians are located below the elbow and knee joints in the limbs, with the Ren Luo originating at the Jiuwei (鸠尾), the Du Luo at the Changqiang (长强), and the Spleen’s major Luo at the Daba (大包), collectively known as the Fifteen Luo Points. The conditions treated by these Luo points are often related to the pathologies of their corresponding meridians and the diseases traversed by the Luo collaterals themselves.
People’s Health Publishing House “Acupuncture (2nd Edition)”
To facilitate memorization, let us first review the mnemonic for the Fifteen Luo Points:
Fei Luo (肺络) at Lieque (列缺) for the Large Intestine,
Spleen Luo (脾络) at Gongsun (公孙) for the Stomach (足阳明),
Heart Luo (心络) at Tongli (通里) for the Small Intestine,
Da Zhong (大钟) Luo for the Kidney and Bladder (肾膀胱) flying high,
Pericardium at Neiguan (内关) and Sanjiao at Waiguan (外关),
Guangming (光明) Luo for the Gallbladder and Ligou (蠡沟) for the Liver,
The Spleen’s major Luo is at Daba (大包),
Ren Luo at Jiuwei (鸠尾) and Du Luo at Changqiang (长强).
1. Acupuncture at Pianli (偏历) for Treating Deafness and Tinnitus
A patient named Gao had been suffering from deafness and tinnitus for over six months, with minimal effect from various treatments. On November 17, 1998, he sought acupuncture treatment from me.
The patient experienced deafness and tinnitus, especially at night when the wind sound in his ears was incessant, affecting his sleep. His tongue was slightly red with little coating, and his pulse was deep, thin, and weak. Based on his symptoms and signs, the patient was diagnosed with Kidney and Liver Deficiency. I proceeded to needle Taixi (太溪) (bilateral), Sanyinjiao (三阴交) (bilateral), and Shenshu (肾俞) (bilateral) to nourish the Kidney and Liver; I also selected Tinggong (听宫) (bilateral) and Tinghui (听会) (bilateral) locally to regulate the auditory nerve.
After four sessions of acupuncture, the patient reported no noticeable improvement. I recalled that the main Luo of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian branches off at a point called Pianli, which connects to the Hand Taiyin Meridian and enters the ear, aligning with the main meridian of that area. I decided to add needling at both sides of Pianli.
After three more sessions, the patient reported a reduction in tinnitus, and after continuing with ten more sessions, his long-standing deafness and tinnitus were completely cured.
2. Acupuncture at Tongli (通里) for Treating Speech Impairment
67-year-old Zhao experienced a stiff tongue and slurred speech upon waking, alarming both him and his family, who feared he had suffered a stroke. They rushed him to the hospital for a CT scan, which showed no abnormalities, and then sought my acupuncture treatment. The patient had normal limb movement but was unable to speak clearly, with a pale tongue and white coating, and a wiry, slippery pulse.
Phlegm obstructing the Lianquan (廉泉) indicated a blockage in the meridian. I needled Lianquan, Shanglianquan (上廉泉), and Tiantu (天突) locally to clear the meridians and resolve phlegm; I also needled Fengchi (风池) (bilateral) and Fenglong (丰隆) (bilateral) to calm wind and transform phlegm.
After five sessions, the speech was clearer, but the results were still unsatisfactory, so I added needling at Tongli (双), and after three sessions, the symptoms significantly improved. After three more sessions, the patient’s speech returned to normal.
[Note] Tongli is the Luo point of the Hand Shaoyin Meridian, which branches off and ascends along the Hand Shaoyin Meridian, entering the heart and then ascending to connect with the root of the tongue, belonging to the eye system. It is indicated for sudden loss of voice, heart disease, and tongue stiffness.
3. Acupuncture at Feiyang (飞扬) for Treating Epistaxis
Gu had nasal bleeding for six to seven days, with a small amount of blood, and noticed blood when blowing his nose. By noon, there was a slight drip of blood. After taking hemostatic medication for two days and three doses of cooling blood-stopping herbal medicine without effect, he sought my treatment on September 15, 1989.
The patient appeared flushed, with blood in his nasal cavity, a red tongue, thin white coating, and a surging pulse. Based on the symptoms, the patient had internal heat causing blood to recklessly flow.
The nasal cavity belongs to the Lung, and nasal bleeding is undoubtedly due to Lung heat. I prescribed three doses of cooling Lung and blood-stopping herbal medicine, thinking that since the epistaxis was not severe, these three doses would surely cure him. However, on the 18th, the patient returned, stating that after finishing the three doses, the nasal bleeding had not stopped.
I had no choice but to check his pulse and tongue again, discovering that although the pulse was surging, it was weak upon heavy pressure; the tongue was red, but the coating was thin and white, leading me to suspect that the internal fire was due to deficiency rather than excess. I intended to prescribe a few doses of nourishing Yin and lowering fire, cooling blood, and stopping bleeding herbal medicine, but suddenly recalled a mention in an acupuncture text about needling Feiyang for treating deficiency-type epistaxis.
Feiyang is the Luo point of the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, which branches off to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. Needling this point can nourish Yin and tonify the Kidney, indirectly achieving the effects of nourishing Yin, lowering fire, and cooling blood to stop bleeding. Therefore, I needled Feiyang, retained the needle for 30 minutes after obtaining Qi, and treated him twice. By noon, the nasal bleeding had stopped, and after two more sessions, the blood-stained nasal discharge was resolved.
4. Acupuncture at Dazhong (大钟) for Treating Kidney Deficiency Back Pain
55-year-old Zhang had suffered from back pain for many years. In the autumn of 1978, due to heavy farm work, the pain worsened, making it difficult for him to turn or work in the fields. However, farm work waits for no one, and with four to five acres of wheat fields yet to be sown, he sought my help on October 6 to alleviate his back pain quickly so he could lead his family in the autumn harvest.
The patient had a long history of back pain, worsening with exertion, with weak lower back and knees, excessive sweating, and aversion to wind. His tongue was pale with thin white coating, and his pulse was deep, thin, and weak. After comprehensive diagnosis, I determined that the patient had Kidney Deficiency Back Pain.
I needled Dazhong (双), and after obtaining Qi, applied the burning mountain fire technique twice, retaining the needle for 30 minutes. After one session, the patient could turn his back and the pain was alleviated. On the second and third mornings, I needled him again, and by the afternoon of the third day, he was able to work in the fields.
[Note] Dazhong is the Luo point of the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, which can tonify the Kidney, activate the collaterals, and relieve pain. This point is effective for treating lumbar and spinal pain.
5. Acupuncture at Fenglong (丰隆) for Treating Schizophrenia
25-year-old Liu suffered from schizophrenia, which was well controlled with injections of fluphenazine and benztropine, allowing him to live independently and maintain normal emotions. Recently, due to family conflicts, his mental state worsened, making it difficult for him to sleep at night, often reading until dawn, and during the day, he frequently talked to himself, avoided social interactions, and sometimes sang loudly. On April 12, 2011, his family invited me to treat him.
Upon examination, the patient appeared flushed, frequently talking to himself, and had difficulty concentrating. When asked about his condition, he often gave irrelevant answers. His tongue was red with thin yellow coating, and his pulse was wiry and rapid. I needled Baihui (百会) and Sishencong (四神聪) to awaken the mind and open the orifices; Datun (大敦) (bilateral) was needled to draw blood to clear Liver heat and soothe the Liver; and I needled Neiguan (内关) (bilateral) to calm the spirit and stabilize the will.
Considering that mental illnesses are often related to excess Yangming heat, and the patient’s flushed complexion indicated heat in the Yangming, I needled the Yangming meridian point Fenglong (双) to clear heat from the Stomach Meridian and resolve phlegm. After seven sessions of acupuncture, the patient’s mental state was largely controlled, and symptoms such as reading at night, talking to himself, and singing loudly were eliminated.
6. Acupuncture at Gongsun (公孙) for Treating Abdominal Distension
Huo had experienced abdominal distension for over a month, having taken Western medications to enhance gastric motility and Chinese herbal medicine to regulate Qi, but with unsatisfactory results. On July 7, 2002, she sought my treatment.
The patient was a 45-year-old woman, a farmer by trade, who claimed to work harder than her peers. A month ago, she began experiencing abdominal distension, belching sour fluid, and loss of appetite, and her physical strength had declined day by day. Now, even slight physical activity left her gasping for breath and sweating profusely.
Interestingly, while others with abdominal distension would regain their appetite after some activity, she found that the more she worked, the worse her distension became, and her appetite decreased.
Upon percussion, her epigastric area produced a drum-like sound, her tongue was pale with white coating, and her pulse was slow and weak. After comprehensive diagnosis, I determined that the patient had a weak Spleen and Stomach, with impaired transportation and a failure to harmonize and descend.
Thus, I needled Zusanli (足三里) (bilateral) to strengthen the Spleen and boost Qi, and Shangwan, Zhongwan, and Xiawan (上脘、中脘、下脘) to assist in transportation, relieve abdominal distension, and increase appetite. After the first session, the patient felt some relief in her epigastric area, but after three more sessions, the results were not as good as the first, and she still experienced abdominal distension, loss of appetite, and belching sour fluid.
I recalled that Gongsun is the Luo point of the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian, which branches off to the Yangming, and has the function of strengthening the Spleen, benefiting the Stomach, and eliminating distension. During the fourth session, I added needling at Gongsun, and after needling, the patient reported that her epigastric area felt more comfortable than before. After four more sessions, her abdominal distension, belching sour fluid, and loss of appetite were resolved.
7. Acupuncture at Lieque (列缺) for Treating Palmar Heat
Huo had experienced palmar heat for over six months and consulted several doctors, all of whom diagnosed it as Yin Deficiency with Excess Fire. She took several boxes of Zhibai Dihuang Wan and consumed Yin-nourishing and blood-cooling herbal medicine, but the results were mediocre; sometimes the medication seemed to help a little, but the more she took, the less effective it became, and at times it had no effect at all. On March 18, 2000, she sought my treatment.
I inquired about the palmar heat occurring at all times, day and night; upon examination, her tongue and pulse showed no significant changes. I decided to needle both sides of Lieque, retaining the needles for 30 minutes after obtaining Qi. After two sessions, the patient felt a reduction in palmar heat, and after five more sessions, her palmar heat was completely cured.
[Note] Lieque is the Luo point of the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian, which branches off at the wrist and runs into the palm, dispersing into the margin of the thenar. Conditions affecting the palm and palm heat are often related to this Luo vessel, so needling Lieque can achieve ideal results.
8. Acupuncture at Fenglong for Treating Sudden Loss of Voice
Zhang suddenly lost his voice during an argument with a neighbor and hurried to the clinic for treatment. Upon examining his pulse, I found it to be wiry and rapid, suspecting that the patient’s anger had harmed the Liver, leading to a failure of the Liver to disperse.
I needled Lianquan and Tiantu to stimulate the throat area to open the voice; Tai Chong (太冲) (bilateral) and Yanglingquan (阳陵泉) (bilateral) were needled to soothe the Liver and relieve depression. The next day, the patient returned with the same symptoms, and I advised him to undergo a CT scan at the county hospital, which returned normal results.
I considered that the main Luo of the Foot Yangming Meridian branches off at a point called Fenglong, which connects to the Foot Taiyin Meridian. Another branch runs along the outer edge of the tibia to the head and neck, converging with the Qi of other meridians in that area, circling down to the throat. Could the sudden loss of voice be due to a pathological change in the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian?
I decided to needle both sides of Fenglong, retaining the needles for 15 minutes after obtaining Qi and using a draining technique for two minutes. After treatment, the patient was able to speak again, and after three more sessions, his speech returned to normal.
9. Acupuncture at Jiuwei (鸠尾) for Treating Abdominal Itching
36-year-old Wu experienced abdominal skin itching and had taken numerous antihistamines with little effect. She also tried several doses of herbal medicine to dispel dampness and relieve itching, but to no avail. On February 8, 1999, she sought my treatment. Upon examination, her abdominal skin color was unchanged, with no rashes or papules, and her tongue and pulse showed no specific findings. Learning from the previous failed treatments, I pondered the best approach for this condition.
With no changes in skin color or rashes, antihistamines would certainly be ineffective; and with no changes in tongue and pulse, dispelling dampness and relieving itching or invigorating blood and nourishing blood would also be unreasonable.
I recalled that the main Luo of the Ren Meridian branches off at a point called Jiuwei, which disperses in the abdomen. If a pathological change occurs, the real symptoms would be abdominal pain; the deficiency symptoms would be abdominal skin itching. Could I use Jiuwei for treatment?
I decided to needle Jiuwei with a 1.5-inch needle, retaining it for 30 minutes after obtaining Qi. After two treatments, the patient reported a reduction in abdominal itching, and after two more sessions, the itching was completely resolved.
10. Acupuncture at Ligou (蠡沟) for Treating Scrotal Itching
Zhao sought treatment for scrotal itching on November 9, 1999. Upon examination, his tongue was pale with a thin white coating, and his pulse was deep, thin, and weak. He reported lower back and knee soreness and decreased libido, leading me to believe this was due to Kidney Yang deficiency and dampness descending. I prescribed seven doses of warming Kidney and dispelling dampness herbal medicine for itching. After finishing the course, the patient reported no significant changes.
I considered that the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian has a branch that runs through the lower limbs to the testicles, converging in the penis. If a pathological change occurs, the symptoms of excess would be testicular swelling and sudden pain, while the deficiency symptoms would be scrotal itching.
The Luo point for this condition is Ligou, so I decided to needle Ligou, retaining the needle for 30 minutes after obtaining Qi. The next day, the patient reported a reduction in scrotal itching, and I continued acupuncture for six sessions, resulting in complete resolution of the scrotal itching.
11. Acupuncture at Daba (大包) for Treating Generalized Pain
Li experienced generalized pain and had taken antipyretic and analgesic medications for several days with only temporary relief. On November 5, 1988, he sought my treatment. His body temperature was 36.5°C, and his tongue and pulse were normal, indicating that this condition was neither an exterior syndrome nor rheumatism, making it difficult to treat with medication.
I considered that the Spleen’s major Luo spreads across the chest and ribs; if a pathological change occurs, the real symptoms would be generalized pain; the deficiency symptoms would be weakness and lack of strength in the joints. The Daba point is the Luo point of the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian.
Thus, I needled both sides of Daba, retaining the needles for 30 minutes after applying strong stimulation for two minutes. After three sessions, the generalized pain decreased, and after five more sessions, the patient felt much better.
12. Acupuncture at Feiyang for Treating Neck and Back Pain
Ge sought treatment for neck and back pain, along with nasal congestion and clear nasal discharge, on December 12, 1991. Upon examination, his tongue and pulse showed no significant changes, and his body temperature was normal. However, based on his symptoms, I suspected he had a cold and prescribed antipyretic and analgesic medications along with antiviral drugs. After two days, the results were mediocre.
Although he felt better after taking the medication, he still experienced neck and back pain after four hours. I decided to needle both sides of Fengchi (风池), Fengfu (风府), Quchi (曲池), and Dazhui (大椎) to dispel wind and relieve pain, continuing to take antipyretic and analgesic medications and antiviral drugs. After two days, the results were still average.
Later, I thought that if the Luo of the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian were to undergo a pathological change, the real symptoms would be nasal congestion and clear nasal discharge, while the deficiency symptoms would be nasal bleeding.
Thus, I needled both sides of Feiyang, stopping the needling of Fengfu, Quchi, and Dazhui. After obtaining Qi, I applied strong stimulation for two minutes and removed the needles. After treatment, he reported a significant reduction in neck and back pain, and after two more sessions, the pain was completely resolved.
[Note] Feiyang is the Luo point of the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian, effective for treating neck and back pain.
13. Acupuncture at Lieque for Treating Frequent Yawning
52-year-old Guo had been yawning frequently for the past ten days without any obvious triggers, yawning every 40 minutes at most when awake, sometimes even yawning two or three times in a row. On December 24, 1988, he sought my treatment.
Upon checking his pulse and tongue, there were no specific changes, and he had normal limb movement. I needled both sides of Lieque, retaining the needles for 30 minutes. After three sessions, the yawning decreased, with intervals of up to two to three hours, and after five more sessions, the yawning completely stopped.
[Note] Frequent yawning is often attributed to brain hypoxia in Western medicine. I believe this condition is primarily related to the descent of the Zong Qi. The Lung governs Qi, and Lieque is the Luo point of the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian, which treats Lung-related diseases. Using a tonifying technique can help elevate the Zong Qi.
14. Acupuncture at Zhizheng (支正) for Treating Tennis Elbow
34-year-old Hu experienced pain on the outer side of his right elbow, with limited flexion and extension. The pain worsened when gripping or lifting objects. After being diagnosed with tennis elbow by several doctors, he took some medication that slightly alleviated the symptoms, but the pain returned when he stopped taking the medication. He had also undergone injections but had not been cured. On May 12, 1986, he sought my treatment.
Upon examination, his tongue and pulse showed no significant changes. Considering the patient was young and strong, I needled both sides of Zhizheng, applying strong stimulation for two minutes and retaining the needles for 15 minutes, then applying strong stimulation for one minute before removing the needles. After five sessions, the pain in the elbow decreased, but he still experienced soreness when gripping or lifting. As the results were not satisfactory, I continued acupuncture at Zhizheng, using the same technique, and after a total of ten sessions, the tennis elbow was cured.
[Note] Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is caused by intense and frequent activity of the elbow and wrist joints, leading to local tearing or chronic aseptic inflammation of the extensor muscles’ origin.
Zhizheng is the Luo point of the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian, which branches off and ascends to the elbow. Strong stimulation at this point can promote blood circulation in the elbow joint, aiding in the repair of local tears or the absorption of aseptic inflammation.
15. Acupuncture at Neiguan for Treating Stiff Neck
Patient Liu is a woman in her sixties who recently experienced difficulty turning her neck. Although the pain was not severe, she felt it was strenuous to turn. On June 7, 1979, she sought treatment from me.
Upon examination, her tongue was pale with thin white coating, and her pulse was weak, with no other pathological symptoms found. I needled both sides of Fengchi, both sides of Lieque, and Dazhui, retaining the needles for 20 minutes. After three consecutive treatments, there was no improvement. The patient had lost confidence in the treatment, and I was at a loss.
Suddenly, I recalled that my mentor had mentioned that when the Luo of the Hand Jueyin Pericardium is deficient, it may manifest as neck stiffness. I decided to needle the Luo point Neiguan on both sides, retaining the needles for 30 minutes without additional stimulation, treating every other day. After three more sessions, the patient’s neck movement improved significantly, and she was confident to continue with five more sessions, regaining full neck mobility.
16. Acupuncture at Guangming (光明) for Treating Weakness in the Left Foot
36-year-old Chen recently felt weakness in his left ankle. Although walking was not affected, he felt his ankle was weak and soft, fearing he might fall, but in reality, he was able to walk without issues. On November 4, 1990, he sought my treatment.
After comprehensive diagnosis, aside from the symptoms reported by the patient, no other changes were observed. Concerned about possible cerebrovascular issues, I had him undergo a CT scan, which returned normal results. After returning, he sought my treatment again, and I prescribed Liuwei Dihuang Wan, vitamin B1, and adenosine B12. After five days, there was no change.
I then needled Guangming on the left side, retaining the needle for 30 minutes. After three days of daily treatment, the patient reported increased strength in his left ankle. After four more days, he felt almost back to normal.
[Note] Guangming is the Luo point of the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, effective for treating eye disorders and lower limb weakness. I often select it for treating conditions below the ankle joint with significant results.
— Copyright Statement —
This article is excerpted from “Forty Years of Experience and Loss in Grassroots Acupuncture” | Author: Yang Chengqi, Transcribed by Yang Liping | Edited by Jiang Chunyan and Ju Ye. Copyright belongs to the original author. If there is any infringement, please notify for deletion.
This public account serves as a platform for sharing health knowledge (non-commercial purpose).If medication is involved, please consult a licensed physician.