LI - Large Intestine Meridian

手阳明大肠经 - Shǒu Yángmíng Dàcháng Jīng

The Large Intestine Meridian governs elimination and letting go on both physical and emotional levels. Known as the "Minister of Transportation," it works closely with the Lung meridian to regulate the body's boundaries and waste elimination. This Yang meridian controls the large intestine, influences the nose and sense of smell, and plays a crucial role in immune function and the body's ability to release what no longer serves.

Emotionally, it governs our capacity to "let go" - whether of physical waste, toxic emotions, or outdated beliefs. It embodies the wisdom to discern what to keep and what to release, essential for both detoxification and emotional cleansing.

Meridian Pathway & Flow

Direction

Flows from hand to head, moving from Yang to Yang

Pathway

  • Origin: Begins at LI-1 (Shangyang) at the corner of the index fingernail
  • Hand & Arm: Travels along the radial side of the index finger and up the lateral arm
  • Shoulder: Ascends over the shoulder to the neck
  • Face Path: Terminates at LI-20 (Yingxiang) beside the nose
  • Internal Branch: Connects internally to the large intestine and lungs
  • Connection: Links to the Stomach meridian at ST-1 near the eye

Active Time

5:00 AM - 7:00 AM (Peak energy circulation)

Location illustration for LI

Primary Functions

Physical Functions

  • Controls elimination and bowel function
  • Governs the nose and sense of smell
  • Regulates immune system boundaries
  • Manages skin health and healing
  • Supports shoulder and arm function
  • Influences teeth and gums

Emotional & Mental Functions

  • Governs the ability to let go
  • Supports emotional boundaries
  • Manages perfectionism and control
  • Supports mental clarity and focus
  • Processes grief and loss
  • Maintains healthy detachment

Essential Acupoints

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

Therapeutic Applications

Digestive Issues

  • Constipation and elimination problems
  • Abdominal pain and bloating
  • Inflammatory bowel conditions
  • Food sensitivities and allergies
  • Detoxification support

Respiratory & Sinus Problems

  • Nasal congestion and sinusitis
  • Loss of smell (anosmia)
  • Allergic rhinitis
  • Facial pain and headaches
  • Throat dryness and irritation

Emotional & Mental Patterns

  • Difficulty letting go and attachment
  • Perfectionism and control issues
  • Emotional constipation or blockages
  • Inability to set boundaries
  • Mental rigidity and stubbornness

LI Protocols

Morning Elimination Routine (5-10 minutes, 5-7 AM)

  1. Begin during LI's peak time (5-7 AM) to support natural elimination
  2. Drink warm water with lemon or flaxseed to stimulate digestion
  3. Apply pressure to LI-4 (Hegu) and LI-11 (Quchi) to promote detoxification and bowel movement
  4. Add LI-10 (Shousanli) for tonifying Qi and easing abdominal tension
  5. End with gentle pressure on LI-20 (Yingxiang) to clear nasal passages and awaken the senses

Digestive Support Sequence (3-5 minutes)

  1. For bloating, sluggish digestion, or constipation
  2. Apply firm circular pressure to LI-4 and LI-11
  3. Add LI-2 (Erjian) and LI-3 (Sanjian) for fluid regulation and clearing heat
  4. Combine with abdominal breathing and gentle torso twists

Skin Clarity Activation (5 minutes)

  1. For acne, inflammation, or dull complexion
  2. Apply pressure to LI-4 and LI-11 to promote detoxification and reduce heat
  3. Add LI-14 (Binao) and LI-15 (Jianyu) for lymphatic drainage and upper body circulation
  4. Finish with LI-20 (Yingxiang) to refresh the face and support sinus health

Letting Go Practice (10 minutes)

  1. For emotional release and boundary-setting
  2. Apply pressure to LI-4 while reflecting on what you're ready to release
  3. Massage LI-10 and LI-11 while visualizing energetic cleansing
  4. End with deep exhalations and a short journaling prompt: 'What no longer serves me?'

All LI Points

Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.

Considerations

Seasonal Focus

  • The large intestine meridian is also most active in autumn—support letting go and decluttering during this season

Dietary Support

  • Fiber-rich foods (sweet potatoes, oats, flaxseed) aid elimination and support colon health

Environmental

  • Practice in calm, orderly spaces; visual clutter can mirror internal stagnation

Exercise

  • Combine with brisk walking, stretching, or yoga twists to stimulate peristalsis and release tension

Emotional Work

  • Support emotional release by journaling, decluttering, or setting healthy boundaries

Daily Rhythm

  • The large intestine is most active between 5-7 AM — support regular elimination with morning routines

Precautions

Pressure

  • Use moderate pressure on hand and arm points; avoid overstimulation near joints

Hydration

  • Ensure adequate hydration to support healthy bowel movements and detoxification

Skin Health

  • LI points may influence skin clarity—observe changes in complexion during regular practice

Acute Symptoms

  • For severe abdominal pain or persistent constipation, consult a medical professional

Chronic Conditions

  • Coordinate with healthcare providers for IBS, Crohn's, or other digestive disorders

Emotional Processing

  • Working with LI points may bring up issues around control, rigidity, or difficulty letting go