How to utilize the Large Intestine Meridian

The Large Intestine meridian has more of an impact on the respiratory system than it does on the large intestine.

“The Large Intestine is responsible for transportation of all turbidity. All waste products go through this organ.”
– Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Medicine

The Large Intestine meridian is paired with the Lung meridian.

This pairing gives us the clue to use the Large Intestine meridian when treating disorders of the lungs and respiratory system. The Large Intestine meridian is one of the three Yang meridians on the arm.
The first point (LI 1) is located at the end of the index finger. From the first finger, the Large Intestine meridian runs over the back side of the forearm, upper arm, up the side of the neck and ends at acupoint LI 20, near the nostril.
Internally, the Large Intestine meridian connects with the lungs and large intestine organs.

THE LARGE INTESTINE

The Large Intestine Meridian


It is surprising that the Large Intestine meridian and many of its points are used to clear out respiratory issues. Use Large Intestine points to relieve conditions such as a stuffy nose, head cold, cough, or aches associated with colds and flus.
Treating the common cold is one of the most confounding challenges for western medicine.
Chinese Medicine offers an excellent method of both treating and preventing colds. The Large Intestine meridian is a key player in the treatment of colds and flus in Chinese Medicine.

Famous Large Intestine Point

LI 4*, He Gu, Joining Valley

LI 4 is used to relieve headaches, toothaches, and coughing. This is a very easy point to find and stimulate yourself.  Apply pressure gently as this is often a very sore point!
*Do not use this point on pregnant women

Locate LI 4

LI_4_Locate_123

To continue learning, check out the “All About the Large Intestine Meridian” video on demand.

Cindy Black

Cindy Black is the Founder of Big Tree School of Natural Healing and the author of Meridian Massage, Pathways to Vitality. She is appreciated for her ability to make the complex accessible, fun, and practical.

10 Comments

  1. […] the directions above (Thank you Big Tree School of Natural Healing for these clear instructions!), make a pressured circular movement with your thumb over this area […]

  2. lynn on September 7, 2017 at 12:35 pm

    Dear Bonnie,
    Thank you for your generosity in sharing this information with photographs and clear explanations on how the yin and yang points in the body relate. Your blogs contribute enormously to my health, positive emotional state, and ability to manage my health. I am most grateful to you.
    With Gratitude,
    lynn

    • Cindy Black on September 7, 2017 at 12:46 pm

      Hi Lynn,
      I enjoy sharing what I have learned. Thanks for writing!
      -Cindy

  3. […] More about the Large Intestine and Lung connection […]

  4. Bonnie Pares on October 26, 2016 at 9:25 am

    How long do you squeeze on the point?

  5. […] then massage the whole forearm down to the hand. Massage the first finger as this is where the Large Intestine meridian begins. By massaging the first finger, you encourage the Qi to move throughout the whole meridian. […]

  6. Holly on July 6, 2015 at 10:49 am

    Thank YOU !

    • Cindy Black, L.Ac., LMT on July 6, 2015 at 10:55 am

      You are welcome
      🙂

  7. Rosie on March 4, 2015 at 5:37 pm

    Wow! Thanks for a fantastic post! You have great insight about the meridians and their relations to each other. I haven’t seen that on anyone else’s site. Keep the great posts coming!

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