The luo vessels are branches that diverge from the main meridians, serving to enhance the connection and regulation between the yin and yang of the interior and exterior. There are fifteen luo vessels in total, including one for each of the twelve meridians and the Ren and Du meridians, along with the Great Luo of the Spleen.
The Great Luo of the Spleen is one of the fifteen luo vessels. The acupuncture point is called Da Bao. According to the Ling Shu: Jing Mai, “The Great Luo of the Spleen, named Da Bao, emerges three cun below the armpit and spreads across the chest and ribs.” This vessel branches from the Da Bao point, located three cun below the Yuan Xia point (Gallbladder meridian), and disperses in the chest and rib area.
Its pathological changes manifest as a full condition characterized by generalized pain, while a deficiency condition presents as weakness and looseness in the joints. This luo vessel resembles a net that encircles the entire body; if blood stasis occurs, treatment can be applied at the Da Bao point.
[Da Bao Point]
Da Bao. “Da” means vast and expansive. “Bao” means to contain and encompass. The vast human body is enveloped by the pre- and post-natal qi. This point is the Great Luo of the Spleen, which is fundamental to the post-natal essence. It belongs to the Earth element and embodies the qualities of receptivity and inclusiveness. The Classics of Acupuncture states: “It governs the yin and yang of all luo vessels, nourishing the five zang organs,” benefiting all organs and tissues, hence the name Great Luo. Yang Shangshan states: “The spleen is the central earth, the place where the four zang organs are enveloped, thus it is called the Great Luo.”
Meridian Affiliation: It belongs to the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian. It is the Great Luo of the Spleen. The qi of this meridian travels obliquely from the Zhou Rong point to the ribs, intersecting with the Liver, Gallbladder, and Pericardium meridians. It is also in close proximity to the Heart, Kidney, Lung, and Stomach meridians. Among the twelve meridians, this meridian connects most broadly with others, thus it is regarded as the governor of the twelve meridians, and its final oblique segment is termed the Great Luo of the Spleen, symbolizing vastness, inclusiveness, and thorough distribution.
Location: Located on the lateral chest, along the mid-axillary line, at the sixth intercostal space.
Needling Method: Insert obliquely or horizontally 0.5 to 0.8 cun, with a local sensation of soreness and distension. It is located beneath the lower lobe of the lung, deep needling is strictly prohibited.
Moxibustion Method: Moxa cones for 3 to 5 cones; or moxa sticks for 5 to 10 minutes.
Massage: Every morning and evening, use the tip of the middle finger to massage the Da Bao point for 1 to 3 minutes each time, which helps to clear internal blood stasis, eliminate lumps, and regulate lung qi, improving and nourishing lung function.