The lung yin and the large intestine yang are the hand yin/yang meridian partners and are each energetically linked to their named organ. Both are classified under the metal element in Five Element theory.

FUNCTIONS OF THE LUNG YIN ORGAN

CONTROLS THE PRODUCTION OF QI FROM AIR If lung qi is weak, you will feel tired, breathless and lacking vitality.

CONTROLS THE DISPERSAL OF BODY FLUIDS Weak lung function results in dry hair and skin and frequent, spontaneous sweating even when the body temperature is normal.

CONTROLS DEFENSIVE QI FUNCTIONS FOR THE SKIN, HAIR AND MUCOUS MEMBRANES If lung qi is weak, you can easily catch colds, flu and even develop asthma. The skin will become susceptible to infection and allergies such as dermatitis, impetigo and eczema.

PROMOTES BLOOD FUNCTIONS If this function is weak, it affects all the internal organs, as the circulation will be sluggish.

LUNG YIN (LU) AND LARGE INTESTINE YANG (LI)

LUNG YIN MERIDIAN

Recommended qi-points for treatment:

• coughs, colds, asthma LU 9, LU 7, LU 6, LU 5, LU 2, BL 13, LU 1
• sore throat LU 7, LU 10, LU 11, BL 13, LU 1
• front of the shoulder joint pain LU1
• thumb pain LU 10
• wrist pain LU 7, LU 9
• elbow pain LU 5

LARGE INTESTINE YANG MERIDIAN

Recommended qi-points for treatment:

• headache LI 4
• toothache LI 4
• runny or blocked nose LI 20, LI 4
• fever LI 11
• front of the shoulder joint pain LI 15, LI 14, LI 4
• tennis elbow LI 11, LI 10
• repetitive strain injury of hand or thumb LI 4
• pain in the body LI 4
• wrist pain LI 5

NOTE: problems on these hand meridians should be treated with Tui Na massage applied along them, with focused kneading of appropriate qi-points and related back shu points BL 13 and BL 25 and front mu points LU 1 and ST 25.

LINKS WITH THE EXTERIOR THROUGH THE NOSE Through this link, it’s possible for external pathogens to gain access to the body if the lung qi is weak, resulting in a runny or blocked nose.

LINKED TO THE GRIEF EMOTION Weak lung function results in an inability to complete the grieving process.

FUNCTIONS OF THE LARGE INTESTINE YANG ORGAN

HELPS CONTROL WATER BALANCE The lung and large intestine interact to ensure good fluid distribution and balance. If too much water is absorbed, the result is constipation. If too little water is absorbed, the result is diarrhoea.

LUNG yin meridian

The lung meridian starts at LU 1 , level with the space between the first and second ribs and 6 cun from the midline. It ends at LU 11 on the outside of the thumb. Below are the main Tui Na qi-points, listed from top to bottom. For front mu points, see here .

LU 1 ZHONGFU Lung front mu

Below LU 2, level with the space between the first and second ribs. Strengthens the lung to improve qi extraction from the air; treats coughs, chesty colds and asthma.

LU 2 YUNMEN

In a depression just under the o    uter end of the collarbone, 6 cun from the chest midline. Promotes respiration; treats coughs.

LU 5 CHIZE

On the elbow crease just outside the tendon of the biceps muscle. Strengthens lung function to resist infections and allergies, treats dry coughs, sore throat, fever and elbow pain.

LU 7 LIEQUE

On the thumb side, 1.5 cun above the wrist crease, just above the bony lump (styloid process) on the radius. Boosts immunity to prevent colds; relieves flu symptoms, coughs, headache and reduced neck mobility; helps withdrawal from smoking.

LU 9 TAIYUAN

On the main wrist crease just inside the large tendon that runs down to the thumb. Strengthens all lung functions and treats coughs and asthma; treats wrist weakness and pain.

LU 10 YUJI

Just under the midpoint of the first metacarpal bone (at the base of the thumb). Treats sore, dry throats, fever and thumb pain.

LU 11 SHAOSHANG

At the outside margin of the thumb just behind the nail. Treats sore, swollen throat.

LARGE INTESTINE yang meridian

Starts at LI 1 on the thumb side of the index finger just behind the nail, and runs along the arm to the face, ending at LI 20 on the outside of the nostril on the opposite side. Below are the main Tui Na qi-points, listed from top to bottom.

LI 20 YINGXIANG

In the depression on the side of the opposite nostril. Maintains a clear nose and good sense of smell; treats nasal discharge and congestion, sinusitis and rhinitis.

LI 15 JIANYU

In a depression just below the front, top edge of the shoulder bone (acromion). Maintains shoulder mobility; treats shoulder pain and immobility.

LI 14 BINAO

On a line from LI 11 to LI 15 level with the lower end of the deltoid muscle. Maintains good tone in the deltoid muscle and treats upper arm pain in the deltoid region.

LI 11 QUCHI

At the outer end of the elbow crease when the arm is flexed. Regulates blood pressure; maintains elbow joint mobility and treats tennis elbow; reduces heat to treat fever, sore throats and itchy skin; balances digestion.

LI 10 SHOUSANLI

2 cun down from LI 11. Treats forearm pain due to repetitive strain or tennis elbow and intestinal pain.

LI 5 YANGQI

In the depression on the side of the wrist when the thumb is extended upwards. Maintains wrist flexibility and treats wrist pain.

LI 4 HEGU

At the base of the V formed between the metacarpals of thumb and index finger. Stimulates the immune system and revitalizes the sense organs on the face and head. Its painkilling effects treat all kinds of headaches, toothache, neuralgia and local pain in the hand. Caution: do not use this point during pregnancy.