Large Intestine Meridian: Key Points, Treatments & Effects

The large intestine meridian is one of the 12 main meridians in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). As part of Yangming theory, this meridian is connected not only to the digestive system, but also to the skin, respiratory system and general well-being. In acupuncture, this meridian is essential for balancing energy flow and treating various disorders. In this article, we will explore in depth the path of the large intestine meridian, the most important points and how they are stimulated by acupuncture needles to improve health.

1. What is the Large Intestine Meridian?

The large intestine meridian is responsible for governing digestion, it is essential for regulating the digestive system and the elimination of toxins, helping to maintain the body’s energy balance and promoting better physical and emotional health. In traditional Chinese medicine, energy (Qi) is considered to flow through the meridians, so any imbalance in the large intestine can manifest in various areas of the body. This meridian starts at the hand, runs down the arm, through the neck and ends at the nose. Its stimulation by acupuncture is used to treat problems such as headaches, respiratory problems, allergies, constipation and dermatological problems.

The Stimulation of the Large Intestine Meridian Offers Numerous Benefits, Such As:

• Improved Digestive Function: Regulates intestinal transit and combats constipation.
  
• Emotional Processing Support: Enhances the ability to process emotions, creating a sense of emotional release (which we will discuss later).
  
• Pain Relief: Excellent for headaches, migraines, and dental pain.
  
• Immune System Boost: Strengthens the body against infections, especially during cold and allergy seasons.
  
• Respiratory Health: Helps open nasal passages, improving breathing and relieving allergy symptoms.

These benefits make the large intestine meridian a key component in acupuncture for maintaining a harmonious energy flow in the body.

How Is It Related to Acupuncture?

According to acupuncture, energy blockages in the large intestine meridian can manifest as digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, bloating, or even skin and emotional conditions like anxiety or sadness.

Acupuncture is a powerful tool for restoring energy flow in this meridian. By stimulating specific points—such as LI4 (Hegu) on the hand or LI11 (Quchi) on the elbow—intestinal transit can be improved, inflammation reduced, and digestion made more efficient. Additionally, acupuncture can help relieve stress and enhance the connection between the digestive and nervous systems, which is crucial for optimal intestinal function.

Studies have shown that acupuncture can be an effective complementary therapy for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), ulcerative colitis, and chronic constipation. When combined with healthy lifestyle habits and a balanced diet, this technique can significantly contribute to digestive health and overall well-being.

2. Pathway of the Large Intestine Meridian

The Large Intestine Meridian follows a key pathway in the human body, starting at the hand and ending at the head. Here I detail its pathway in a more visual way.

List of Points and Their Names:

• LI4 (Hegu)
  
• LI10 (Shousanli)
  
• LI11 (Quchi)
  
• LI15 (Jianyu)
  
• LI16 (Jugu)
  
• LI18 (Futu)
  
• LI20 (Yingxiang)
  
• LI1 (Shangyang)

This pathway reflects how the large intestine affects not only digestion, but also the respiratory system and the skin. Therefore, many acupuncture treatments on this meridian help to relieve nasal congestion, skin problems and other energy imbalances.

3. The 4 Main Points of the Large Intestine Meridian: How to Stimulate Them with Needles?

Along the large intestine meridian, there are several key points that are stimulated with acupuncture needles. These are the most important ones:

LI4 (Hegu)

Function: This point is famous for treating headaches, digestive issues, and cold symptoms. It is also known for its pain-relieving effects.

Technique: A fine acupuncture needle is inserted vertically at the point located between the thumb and index finger. The needle is generally inserted to a depth of 0.5 to 1.0 cun, depending on the patient’s constitution.

Stimulation Method: After the needle insertion, a technique called “rotation” or “twist” may be performed to provoke the characteristic “De Qi” sensation, which is a tingling or warm feeling. This stimulates the flow of Qi (energy) in the large intestine meridian.

Duration: The needle is left in place for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated.

LI10 (Shousanli)

Technique: This point is located on the outer side of the forearm, approximately 2 cun (two finger widths) below the elbow crease. A sterile needle is inserted at a perpendicular or slightly angled position, with a depth of 0.5 to 1.5 cun, depending on the patient’s constitution.

Stimulation Method: Once the needle is inserted, rotation, pumping, or fan-like manipulation can be applied to activate the De Qi sensation (tingling, heaviness, or warmth). It can be combined with electroacupuncture to improve circulation and energy stimulation. Alternatively, it can be stimulated with massage or acupressure by applying firm pressure with the thumb for 1-2 minutes in circular motions.

Duration: When using acupuncture, the needle usually stays in place for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the treatment. In acupressure or massage, it is recommended to stimulate for 1 to 3 minutes per session, several times a day as needed.

LI11 (Quchi)

Where it is and What it Does: Located in the outer elbow crease, this point is used to treat arm pain, fever, skin problems, and balance the body’s energy.
Technique: A needle is inserted at a 45-degree angle, with a depth of between 0.5 and 1 cun, depending on the patient’s constitution and the desired response.

Stimulation Method: Similar to other points, rotation or sliding manipulation can be used to promote the “De Qi” sensation. This helps disperse heat and toxins in the body, as well as balance energy.

Duration: The needle is left in place for 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated, to improve energy flow and help alleviate pain and fever.

LI20 (Yingxiang)

Function: Located beside the nostrils, this point is ideal for treating allergies, nasal congestion, sinusitis, and other respiratory conditions.

Technique: To stimulate this point, a fine needle is inserted perpendicular to the face, with a depth of 0.3 to 0.5 cun.

Stimulation Method: Once the needle is inserted, a gentle rotation or a vibration technique can be applied to disperse the Qi in the facial area and relieve symptoms of nasal congestion, sinusitis, or allergies.

Duration: The needle is left in place for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the Qi to disperse and respiratory symptoms to be alleviated.

4. Treatments for Your Clinic with Acupuncture Needles on the Large Intestine Meridian

As we mentioned earlier, acupuncture needles are used in clinical practice to unblock stagnant or excessive energy in this meridian. By inserting needles at key points like LI4, LI11, and LI20, acupuncturists aim to restore balance in the flow of energy (Qi), promoting health and well-being.

For example:

• Pain Management and Relaxation: LI4 is famous for its ability to calm pain and relieve stress.
  
• Anti-inflammatory Treatments and Skin Conditions: LI11 is helpful for patients with inflammatory issues or dermatological conditions.
• Respiratory Therapies and Allergies: LI20 is used to improve breathing and relieve nasal congestion, which is crucial for patients with allergies or chronic sinusitis.

5. Did You Know? The Large Intestine Meridian and Emotions

The Large Intestine Meridian in Traditional Chinese Medicine is not only related to digestion and the elimination of physical waste, but also plays a fundamental role in the management of emotions. This meridian is associated with the metal element, which is linked to themes of letting go, releasing, and transforming. Emotionally, the large intestine is believed to help process and release both physical waste and stagnant emotions.

When this meridian is imbalanced, emotions associated with unresolved grief, emotional rigidity, sadness, or the inability to let go may manifest. People with a weakened large intestine meridian may experience feelings of emotional constriction, where they feel unable to release past thoughts or emotions. This can lead to emotional blockages, such as a tendency to hold onto what no longer serves them, making the process of transformation and growth more difficult.

In contrast, when the large intestine meridian is balanced, it promotes the ability to let go of what is unnecessary, both physically and emotionally. Emotions like mental clarity, healthy detachment, and a flexible attitude toward change become more prominent, facilitating a healthy flow of energy and emotional well-being.

Thus, emotional treatments can be offered, such as:

• Emotional Acupuncture
  
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT or Tapping)
  
• Deep breathing and detachment techniques
  
• Massage at emotional points of the meridian
  

By stimulating and balancing this meridian through acupuncture or energy healing techniques, it is possible to improve the ability to process emotions effectively, promoting a sense of emotional release and renewal.