Warm Reminder
This section aims to introduce the basic knowledge of acupoints in the human body, allowing everyone to have a fundamental understanding of them and a simple grasp of their application in external therapies such as moxibustion, cupping, and guasha. Many acupoints carry high risks when needled; non-professionals in acupuncture should not attempt needling operations!
Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian
🔹 Meridian Pathway
This meridian begins at the radial side of the index finger (Shang Yang), ascends along the radial side of the index finger, exits between the two bones (the first and second metacarpals), and enters between the two tendons (the long and short extensor tendons of the thumb) (Yang Xi). It continues along the radial side of the forearm, ascends to the outer side of the elbow (Qu Chi), then travels up the outer side of the upper arm to the shoulder (Jian Yu), where it meets the Du Meridian at the Da Zhui point. It then moves forward into the supraclavicular fossa, connects with the lungs, descends through the diaphragm, and enters the large intestine. Its branch travels from the supraclavicular fossa to the neck, passes through the cheeks, enters the lower teeth, and returns to cross at the philtrum, then ascends beside the nostrils (Ying Xiang). The qi of this meridian connects with the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian.
🔹 Summary of Indications
This meridian’s acupoints are indicated for abdominal pain, borborygmus, diarrhea, constipation, dysentery, sore throat, dental issues, nasal discharge or bleeding, pain along the meridian pathway, and heat swelling or coldness.
Acupoints of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian
🔹 Wen Liu (Xi Point)
[Source] “The Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”: Wen Liu, also known as Ni Zhu, or Snake Head, is the Xi point of the Hand Yangming, located 5 cun above the wrist at the back, and 6 cun above the large wrist.
[Location] With the elbow flexed, it is located 5 cun above the wrist crease on the line connecting Yang Xi and Qu Chi. Qu Chi is located at the outer end of the elbow crease, at the midpoint of the line connecting the outer condyle of the humerus (kē) and the outer end of the elbow crease.
[Indications]
1. Acute borborygmus, abdominal pain, and other intestinal disorders;
2. Furuncles;
3. Headaches, facial swelling, sore throat, and other head and facial disorders;
4. Shoulder and back soreness.
[Application]
The Wen Liu point clears heat and regulates qi. It is indicated for borborygmus and abdominal pain, febrile diseases with reversed qi, cold and heat headaches, wind-evoked limb pain, and excessive laughter and talk.
For inability to speak due to throat obstruction: Wen Liu and Qu Chi (“The Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”).
For epilepsy: Wen Liu and Pu Shen (“Emergency Essentials of the Thousand Gold”), for mania: Wen Liu, Ye Men, and Jing Gu (“Emergency Essentials of the Thousand Gold”).
For stiff neck due to febrile disease: Wen Liu and Qi Men (“Acupuncture Collection of Essentials: Hundred Symptoms”). For borborygmus with pain: Wen Liu, Xian Gu, Fu Liu, and Yang Gang (“Emergency Essentials of the Thousand Gold”).
Moxibustion with 3-5 cones; or moxibustion with a stick for 5-10 minutes.
When experiencing nosebleeds, pressing the Wen Liu point with the thumb can help stop the bleeding; if acne appears on the face, massaging the Wen Liu point can help eliminate it. Wen Liu has a warming effect, so those who often have cold hands or sweaty palms can benefit from frequent massage of this point.
[Literature]
“Emergency Essentials of the Thousand Gold”: For borborygmus with pain, Wen Liu is the main point.
“Thousand Gold Winged Formulas”: For mania and crying, moxibustion at the hand Ni Zhu for thirty cones.
“The Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion”: For febrile disease, cold and heat headaches, hiccups, inability to lift the shoulder, Wen Liu is the main point. For malaria, facial redness and swelling, Wen Liu is the main point. For borborygmus with pain, Wen Liu is the main point. For tooth pain, Wen Liu is the main point. For epilepsy, tongue protrusion, facial twitching, and talking nonsense, Wen Liu is the main point. For mania, Wen Liu is the main point. For inability to speak due to throat obstruction, Wen Liu and Qu Chi are the main points.
“The Great Compendium of Acupuncture”: Main indications include borborygmus and abdominal pain, febrile disease with hiccups, qi stagnation in the diaphragm. Cold and heat headaches, excessive laughter and talking nonsense, drooling, wind-evoked limb swelling, tongue protrusion, mouth and tongue pain, throat obstruction.
“Hundred Symptoms”: For stiff neck due to febrile disease, Wen Liu and Qi Men are the main points.
*Acupoint images are from the illustrated book “The Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon” published by Zitu Books
Cover | Eight Years
Photo | Yun Shao
Editor | Yun Shao