Hand Three Yin Meridians: Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian, Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, Hand Shaoyin Heart MeridianHand Three Yang Meridians: Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, Hand Shaoyang Sanjiao Meridian, Hand Taiyang Small Intestine MeridianFoot Three Yang Meridians: Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian, Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, Foot Taiyang Bladder MeridianFoot Three Yin Meridians: Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian, Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian, Foot Shaoyin Kidney MeridianDirection: The three Yin meridians of the hand run from the chest to the hand; the three Yang meridians of the hand run from the hand to the head; the three Yang meridians of the foot run from the head to the foot; the three Yin meridians of the foot run from the foot to the abdomen.
“In acupuncture, one must connect to the beginning and end of the twelve meridians.”
1Relationship Between the Twelve Meridians
2Song of the Connection Order of the Twelve MeridiansAt the hour of the Tiger, Qi and blood flow to the lungsAt the hour of the Rabbit, the large intestineAt the hour of the Dragon, the stomachAt the hour of the Snake, the spleenAt the hour of the Horse, the heartAt the hour of the Goat, the small intestineAt the hour of the Monkey, the bladderAt the hour of the Rooster, the kidneysAt the hour of the Dog, the pericardiumAt the hour of the Pig, the SanjiaoAt the hour of the Rat, the gallbladderAt the hour of the Ox, the liver3Table of Yuan Points, Luo Points, and Shu Points of the Twelve Meridians (Key Points)
4Locations of the Twelve Meridians and Their Yuan, Luo, and Shu Points
Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian (Hour of the Tiger: 3-5 AM): From the chest to the handStarts at the middle jiao (stomach area), connects down to the large intestine, returns along the stomach’s upper opening, passes through the diaphragm, belonging to the lungs. From the lung system – trachea, throat, it exits under the armpit (Zhongfu, Yunmen), descends along the inner side of the upper arm, runs through the hand Shaoyin and hand Jueyin meridians (Tianfu, Xiabai), descends towards the elbow (Chize), along the inner side of the forearm’s radius (Kongzui), enters the wrist (at the radial artery pulse, Jingqu, Taiyuan), ascends to the thenar area, along the margin (Yujie), exits at the tip of the thumb (Shaoshang).Collateral: From the back of the wrist (Lieque) towards the inner side of the index finger (radial side), exits at its tip, connecting with the hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian.This meridian has 11 points on one side (22 points total), with 9 points distributed on the radial side of the upper limb’s palm, and 2 points in the upper chest, starting point Zhongfu, ending point Shaoshang.Indications: Respiratory system disorders and conditions in areas traversed by this meridian.● Points of this meridian: Zhongfu, Yunmen, Tianfu, Xiabai, Chize, Kongzui, Lieque, Jingqu, Taiyuan, Yujie, Shaoshang.● Yuan Point: Taiyuan (at the radial side of the wrist crease, in the depression on the radial side of the radial artery)● Luo Point: Lieque (1.5 cun above the wrist crease, on the radial side of the forearm)● Shu Point: Taiyuan (at the radial side of the wrist crease, in the depression on the radial side of the radial artery)
Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian (Hour of the Rabbit: 5-7 AM): From the hand to the headStarts at the tip of the index finger (Shangyang), runs along the radial side of the index finger (Erjian, Sanjian), exits between the first and second metacarpals (Hegu), enters between the two tendons (the long and short extensor tendons of the thumb) (Yangxi), along the radial side of the forearm (Pianli, Wenliu, Xialiang, Shangliang, Shousanli), enters the outer side of the elbow (Quchi, Zhiyang), through the outer side of the upper arm (Shouwuli, Bingnao), ascends to the shoulder, exits at the front of the acromion (Jianyu, Juguli, Huibingfeng), meets at the neck (Hui Dazhu), descends into the supraclavicular fossa, connects to the lungs, passes through the diaphragm, belonging to the large intestine.The Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian is closely related to the Lung Meridian. When there are diseases in the respiratory system, the Quchi point on the Large Intestine Meridian is often used as a treatment point. Abnormalities in the Large Intestine Meridian can lead to symptoms such as toothache, nasal congestion, dry mouth, and throat swelling. If pressure is applied to the shoulder down to the arm, pain may also occur.This meridian has 20 points on one side (40 points total), with 15 points distributed on the radial side of the upper limb’s back, and 5 points in the neck and face. Starting point Shangyang, ending point Yingxiang.Indications: Diseases of the stomach, intestines, and other abdominal conditions, neurological and psychiatric disorders, certain febrile diseases, and conditions of the eyes, ears, mouth, teeth, nose, throat, and areas traversed by this meridian.● Points of this meridian: Shangyang, Erjian, Sanjian, Hegu, Yangxi, Pianli, Wenliu, Xialiang, Shangliang, Shousanli, Quchi, Zhiyang, Shouwuli, Bingnao, Jianyu, Juguli, Tianding, Futuo, Kouhe, Yingxiang.● Yuan Point: Hegu (on the back of the hand, between the first and second metacarpals, at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpal)● Luo Point: Pianli (on the back of the elbow, 3 cun above the wrist crease)● Shu Point: Sanjian (when making a fist, in the depression on the radial side of the second metacarpal head)
Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian (Hour of the Dragon: 7-9 AM): From the head to the footStarts beside the nose (Hui Yingxiang), meets at the root of the nose, beside the Foot Taiyang Meridian (Hui Jingming), descends along the outer side of the nose (Chengqi, Sibai), enters the upper dental arch (Juliao), returns to the area beside the mouth (Dizang) encircling the lips (Hui Renzhong), descends to meet at the chin-lip groove (Hui Chengjiang); returns along the lower jaw to the facial artery area (Daying), then along the jaw angle (Jiaoche), up to the front of the ear (Xiaguan), through the zygomatic arch (Hui Shangguan, Xuanli, Huan Yan), along the hairline (Touwei), to the middle of the forehead (Hui Shenting).Its collateral: from Daying downwards, through the carotid area (Renying), along the throat (Shuitu, Qishe, some say Hui Dazhu), enters the supraclavicular fossa (Hui Shangwan), passes through the diaphragm, belonging to the stomach (Hui Shangwan, Zhongwan), connects to the spleen.Its collateral: from the stomach downwards, along the abdomen, to the groin area, meeting with the previous one. From here, it descends through the front of the hip joint (Bigu), to the quadriceps muscle (Futu, Yinshi, Liangqiu), down to the middle of the knee (Dubi), along the outer side of the tibia (Zusanli, Shangjuxu, Tiaokou, Xiaojuxu), descending to the dorsum of the foot (Jiexi, Chongyang), entering the inner side of the second toe (Xianggu, Neiting), exiting at the tip of the second toe (Lidui).Its collateral: from 3 cun below the knee (Zusanli) branches off (Fenglong), enters the outer side of the second toe, exiting at the tip of the second toe. Another branch: from the dorsum of the foot (Chongyang) branches off, enters the first toe’s web, exiting at the tip of the first toe, connecting to the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian.This meridian has 45 points on one side (90 points total), with 15 points distributed on the front outer side of the lower limb, and 30 points in the abdomen, chest, and head. Starting point Chengqi, ending point Lidui.Indications: Diseases of the digestive system, neurological system, respiratory system, circulatory system, certain conditions of the throat, head, mouth, teeth, nose, and areas traversed by this meridian.● Yuan Point: Chongyang (on the dorsum of the foot, at the base of the second metatarsal and the intermediate cuneiform joint, can be palpated at the dorsalis pedis artery)● Luo Point: Fenglong (on the front outer side of the lower leg, 8 cun above the tip of the outer ankle, at the horizontal finger distance from the anterior edge of the tibia)● Shu Point: Xiangu (in the depression behind the second and third metatarsophalangeal joints on the dorsum of the foot)
Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian (Hour of the Snake: 9-11 AM): From the foot to the abdomenStarts at the tip of the big toe (Yinbai), along the inner side of the big toe (Dadu), through the kernel bone (the first metatarsal head) (Taibai, Gongsun), ascends to the front of the inner ankle (Shangqiu), up the inner side of the lower leg, along the posterior edge of the tibia (Sanyinjiao, Lougu), intersects with the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian before (Diji, Yinlingquan), ascends to the inner side of the thigh (Xuehai, Jimen), enters the abdomen (Chongmen, Fushi, Fuke, Dahuang; Zhongji, Guanyuan, belonging to the spleen, connecting to the stomach (Fua; Hui Xiaowei, Rihui, Qimen), passes through the diaphragm, alongside the esophagus (Shidou, Tianxi, Xiongxiang, Zhourong; connecting to the Daba), connecting to the root of the tongue, dispersing under the tongue.Its collateral: from the stomach, ascends through the diaphragm, flows into the heart, connecting to the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian.This meridian has 21 points on one side (42 points total), with 11 points distributed on the front of the inner side of the lower limb, and 10 points distributed on the lateral chest and abdomen. Starting point Yinbai, ending point Daba.Indications: Spleen and stomach diseases, gynecological issues, conditions of the perineum, and other diseases along the meridian’s path. Symptoms include stomach pain, vomiting after eating, belching, abdominal distension, diarrhea, jaundice, heaviness, weakness, pain at the root of the tongue, swelling of the inner side of the lower limbs, and coldness.● Points of this meridian: Yinbai, Dadu, Taibai, Gongsun, Shangqiu, Sanyinjiao, Lougu, Diji, Yinlingquan, Xuehai, Jimen, Chongmen, Fushi, Fuke, Dahuang, Fua, Shidou, Tianxi, Xiongxiang, Zhourong, Daba.● Yuan Point: Taibai (at the posterior edge of the first metatarsal head, at the red-white junction)● Luo Point: Gongsun (at the front lower part of the first metatarsal base)● Shu Point: Taibai (at the posterior edge of the first metatarsal head, at the red-white junction)
Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian (Hour of the Horse: 11 AM-1 PM): From the chest to the handStarts from the heart, exits belonging to the heart and its connected organs, descends through the diaphragm, connecting to the small intestine.Its collateral: from the heart’s connecting part, ascends to the throat, linking to the eye’s internal connection to the brain.Its direct path ascends from the heart system (the connection between the heart and its organs) to the lungs, descends out of the lower abdomen (Jiquan), along the inner side of the upper arm, runs through the Hand Taiyin and Hand Jueyin meridians (Qingling), descends towards the inner elbow (Shaohai), along the inner side of the forearm (Lingdao, Tongli, Yinxue, Shenmen), enters the palm at the pea bone area (Shaofu), exits at the tip of the little finger (Shaochong), connecting to the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian.This meridian has 9 points on one side (18 points total), with 8 points distributed on the ulnar side of the upper limb’s palm, and 1 point in the upper chest. Starting point Jiquan, ending point Shaochong.Indications: Diseases of the chest, heart, circulatory system, neurological and psychiatric disorders, and conditions along the meridian’s path.● Points of this meridian: Jiquan, Qingling, Shaohai, Lingdao, Tongli, Yinxue, Shenmen, Shaofu, Shaochong.● Yuan Point: Shenmen (at the radial side of the wrist crease)● Luo Point: Tongli (on the palm side of the forearm, at the radial edge, 1 cun above the wrist crease)● Shu Point: Shenmen (at the radial side of the wrist crease)
Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian (Hour of the Goat: 1-3 PM): From the hand to the headStarts at the outer side of the little finger (Shaoze), runs along the ulnar side of the palm (Qian Gu, Houxi), ascends to the wrist (Wanggu, Yanggu), exits at the ulnar styloid (Yanglao), directly ascends along the ulnar side (Zhizheng), exits at the inner elbow between the humerus and the ulnar olecranon (Xiaohai), ascends along the outer back of the upper arm, exits at the shoulder joint (Shouzheng, Nanyu), encircles the scapula (Tianzong, Bingfeng, Quyuan), meets at the shoulder (Shouwaiyu, Shouzhongyu; Hui Fufen, Dazhu, Dazhu), enters the supraclavicular fossa, connects to the heart, along the esophagus, through the diaphragm, to the stomach (Hui Shangwan, Zhongwan), belonging to the small intestine.Its collateral: from the supraclavicular fossa, ascends along the neck (Tianchuang, Tianrong), ascends to the cheek (Qianliao), to the outer corner of the eye (Hui Tongzili), bends back (Hui Huanliao), enters the ear (Tinggong). Another collateral: from the cheek, ascends to the zygomatic bone, near the nose to the inner corner of the eye (Hui Jingming), connecting to the Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian. Additionally, the Small Intestine connects with the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian at the Xiaojuxu point.This meridian has 19 points on one side (38 points total), with 8 points distributed on the ulnar side of the upper limb’s back, and 11 points in the shoulder, neck, face. Starting point Shaoze, ending point Tinggong.Indications: Abdominal small intestine and chest, heart, throat disorders, certain febrile diseases, neurological disorders, and conditions along the meridian’s path.● Points of this meridian: Shaoze, Qian Gu, Houxi, Wanggu, Yanggu, Yanglao, Zhizheng, Xiaohai, Shouzheng, Nanyu, Tianzong, Bingfeng, Quyuan, Shouwaiyu, Shouzhong, Tianchuang, Tianrong, Qianliao, Tinggong.● Yuan Point: Wanggu (on the radial side of the wrist, at the base of the fifth metacarpal and the hook bone in the depression, at the red-white junction)● Luo Point: Zhizheng (on the back of the forearm, 5 cun above the wrist crease)● Shu Point: Houxi (when making a fist, at the back of the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint, at the red-white junction)
Foot Taiyang Bladder Meridian (Hour of the Monkey: 3-5 PM): From the head to the footStarts at the inner corner of the eye (Jingming), ascends to the forehead (Zanzhu, Meichong, Quzha; Hui Shenting, Toulinqi), meets at the top of the head (Wuchu, Chengguang, Tongtian; Hui Baihui).Its collateral: from the top of the head, descends to the ear (Hui Quzui, Shuaigu, Fubai, Touqiao, Wanggu). Its direct path: from the top of the head, enters and connects to the brain (Luoque, Yuzhen; Hui Naohu, Fengfu), exits at the nape (Tianzhu) and descends:One branch runs along the inner side of the scapula, beside the spine (Hui Dazhu, Taodao; through Dazhu, Fengmen, Feiyu, Jueyin, Xinyu, Duyin, Geiyu), reaching the waist (Gan Yu, Dan Yu, Pi Yu, Wei Yu, Sanjiao Yu, Shen Yu), entering the muscles beside the spine, connecting to the kidneys, belonging to the bladder (Qihai Yu, Dachang Yu, Guanyuan Yu, Xiaojie Yu, Pangguang Yu, Zhonglu Yu, Baihuan Yu).Another branch descends from the waist, through the arm (Shangliao, Ciliao, Zhongliao, Xialiao, Huiyang, Chengfu), entering the fossa (Yinmen, Weizhong).The other branch from the back descends from the inner side of the scapula, through the scapula (Fufen, Po Hu, Gaohuang Yu, Shentang, Geiguan, Hunmen, Yanggang, Yishe, Weicang, Huangmen, Zhishi, Baohang, Zhibian), passing through the hip joint (Hui Huantiao), descending along the outer side of the thigh (Fuxie, Weiyang), meeting at the fossa (Weizhong) – from here, it descends through the gastrocnemius (Huiyang, Chengjin, Chengshan), exiting behind the outer ankle (Feiyang, Fuyang, Kunlun), along the fifth metatarsal tuberosity (Puzhen, Shenmai, Jinduan, Jinggu), reaching the outer side of the little toe (Shugu, Zutonggu, Zhiyin), connecting to the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian.This meridian has 67 points on one side (134 points total), with 49 points distributed on the head, face, neck, and back, and the remaining 18 points distributed along the midline of the lower limb’s back and the outer side of the foot. Starting point Jingming, ending point Zhiyin.Indications: Urinary and reproductive system disorders, neurological and psychiatric disorders, respiratory system, circulatory system, digestive system diseases, febrile diseases, and conditions along the meridian’s path.● Yuan Point: Jinggu (on the outer side of the foot, below the fifth metatarsal tuberosity, at the red-white junction)● Luo Point: Feiyang (on the outer side of the lower leg, 7 cun above the tip of the outer ankle, at the midpoint of the horizontal line connecting the tip of the outer ankle and the Achilles tendon)● Shu Point: Shugu (below the fifth metatarsal head, at the red-white junction)
Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian (Hour of the Ox: 1-3 AM): From the foot to the abdomenStarts at the hairline of the big toe (Dazun), ascends along the inner side of the foot (Xingjian, Taichong), 1 cun from the inner ankle (Zhongfeng), ascends along the inner side of the lower leg (Hui Sanyinjiao; through Ligou, Zhongdu, Xiguan), 8 cun from the inner ankle, intersects with the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian before, ascends to the inner side of the knee (Ququan), along the inner side of the thigh (Yinbao, Zuwuli, Yinlian), enters the pubic area, encircles the area, reaching the lower abdomen (Jumai; Hui Chongmen, Fushi, Qugu, Zhongji, Guanyuan), alongside the stomach, belonging to the liver, connecting to the gallbladder (Zhangmen, Qimen); ascends through the diaphragm, distributing to the rib area, along the trachea, ascending to the throat (connecting to the eye system (the vascular connection behind the eyeball), ascending to the forehead, meeting with the governor meridian at the top of the head.Its collateral: from the eye system, descends to the cheek, encircling the lips.Its collateral: from the liver, ascends through the diaphragm, flows into the lungs (connecting to the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian).This meridian has 14 points on one side (28 points total), with 12 points distributed on the inner side of the lower limb, and the remaining 2 points located in the abdomen and chest. Starting point Dazun, ending point Qimen.Indications: Urinary and reproductive system disorders, neurological disorders, liver and gallbladder diseases, eye diseases, and conditions along the meridian’s path.● Points of this meridian: Dazun, Xingjian, Taichong, Zhongfeng, Ligou, Zhongdu, Xiguan, Ququan, Yinbao, Zuwuli, Yinlian, Jumai, Zhangmen, Qimen.● Yuan Point: Taichong (on the dorsum of the foot, at the depression behind the first metatarsal space)● Luo Point: Ligou (on the inner side of the lower leg, 5 cun above the tip of the inner ankle, at the center of the inner side of the tibia)● Shu Point: Taichong (on the dorsum of the foot, at the depression behind the first metatarsal space)
5Summary Table of Yuan, Luo, and Shu Point LocationsLung MeridianYuan and Shu Points: Taiyuan: at the radial side of the wrist crease, in the depression on the radial side of the radial arteryLuo Point: Lieque: 1.5 cun above the wrist crease, on the radial side of the forearmLarge Intestine MeridianYuan Point: Hegu: on the back of the hand, between the first and second metacarpals, at the midpoint of the radial side of the second metacarpalLuo Point: Pianli: on the back of the elbow, 3 cun above the wrist creaseShu Point: Sanjian: when making a fist, in the depression on the radial side of the second metacarpal headStomach MeridianYuan Point: Chongyang: on the dorsum of the foot, at the base of the second metatarsal and the intermediate cuneiform joint, can be palpated at the dorsalis pedis arteryLuo Point: Fenglong: on the front outer side of the lower leg, 8 cun above the tip of the outer ankle, at the horizontal finger distance from the anterior edge of the tibiaShu Point: Xiangu: in the depression behind the second and third metatarsophalangeal joints on the dorsum of the footSpleen MeridianYuan and Shu Points: Taibai: at the posterior edge of the first metatarsal head, at the red-white junctionLuo Point: Gongsun: at the front lower part of the first metatarsal baseHeart MeridianYuan and Shu Points: Shenmen: at the radial side of the wrist creaseLuo Point: Tongli: on the palm side of the forearm, at the radial edge, 1 cun above the wrist creaseSmall Intestine MeridianYuan Point: Wanggu: on the radial side of the wrist, at the base of the fifth metacarpal and the hook bone in the depression, at the red-white junctionLuo Point: Zhizheng: on the back of the forearm, 5 cun above the wrist creaseShu Point: Houxi: when making a fist, at the back of the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint, at the red-white junctionBladder MeridianYuan Point: Jinggu: on the outer side of the foot, below the fifth metatarsal tuberosity, at the red-white junctionLuo Point: Feiyang: on the outer side of the lower leg, 7 cun above the tip of the outer ankle, at the midpoint of the horizontal line connecting the tip of the outer ankle and the Achilles tendonShu Point: Shugu: below the fifth metatarsal head, at the red-white junctionKidney MeridianYuan and Shu Points: Taixu: in the depression between the inner ankle and the Achilles tendon, at the level of the highest point of the inner ankleLuo Point: Dazhong: on the inner side of the foot, below the inner ankle, at the inner side of the Achilles tendon attachmentPericardium MeridianYuan and Shu Points: Daling: with the palm up, at the wrist crease, between the radial side of the flexor carpi radialis tendon and the palmaris longus tendonLuo Point: Neiguan: on the palm side of the forearm, 2 cun above the wrist creaseSanjiao MeridianYuan Point: Yangchi: at the middle of the wrist creaseLuo Point: Waiguan: 2 cun above the wrist crease on the back of the handShu Point: Zhongzhu: when making a fist, in the depression between the fourth and fifth metacarpal headsGallbladder MeridianYuan Point: Qiuxu: in front of the outer ankleLuo Point: Guangming: on the outer side of the lower leg, 5 cun above the tip of the outer ankle, at the anterior edge of the fibulaShu Point: Zulinqi: on the outer side of the foot, behind the fourth toe jointLiver MeridianYuan and Shu Points: Taichong: on the dorsum of the foot, at the depression behind the first metatarsal spaceLuo Point: Ligou: on the inner side of the lower leg, 5 cun above the tip of the inner ankle, at the center of the inner side of the tibia.
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