Luo-Connecting Points Guide
Introduction
Luo-Connecting Points are special acupuncture points found on each of the 12 primary meridians and the Governing (Du) and Conception (Ren) vessels. These points establish a link between paired yin and yang meridians, regulate qi and blood flow, and treat both physical and emotional imbalances.
Key Points
Luo-Connecting Points link paired meridians, balancing yin and yang energy.
They regulate qi and blood, making them effective for stagnation and excess conditions.
Luo points can treat both the affected meridian and its paired meridian.
These points are useful for emotional imbalances, chronic pain, and psycho-emotional disorders.
Overview of Luo-Connecting Points
| Meridian | Luo-Connecting Point | Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Lung (LU) | LU-7 (Lieque) | Treats cough, grief, and emotional regulation |
| Large Intestine (LI) | LI-6 (Pianli) | Regulates water passages, treats edema |
| Stomach (ST) | ST-40 (Fenglong) | Clears phlegm, calms the mind |
| Spleen (SP) | SP-4 (Gongsun) | Harmonizes digestion, connects to Chong Mai |
| Heart (HT) | HT-5 (Tongli) | Regulates heart rhythm, calms the spirit |
| Small Intestine (SI) | SI-7 (Zhizheng) | Treats neck stiffness, regulates emotions |
| Bladder (BL) | BL-58 (Feiyang) | Balances lower body energy, treats sciatica |
| Kidney (KI) | KI-4 (Dazhong) | Treats fear and anxiety, stabilizes emotions |
| Pericardium (PC) | PC-6 (Neiguan) | Calms the mind, treats nausea, harmonizes chest |
| Sanjiao (SJ) | SJ-5 (Waiguan) | Regulates Wei Qi, treats headaches |
| Gall Bladder (GB) | GB-37 (Guangming) | Benefits the eyes, relieves tension |
| Liver (LV) | LV-5 (Ligou) | Treats anger, regulates the genitals |
➡️ Explore Acupuncture Point Categories
Functions and Clinical Applications
1. Regulating Paired Meridians
Luo-Connecting Points allow communication between yin-yang paired meridians.
Example: LU-7 (Lieque) connects with LI-6 (Pianli), helping respiratory and immune function.
2. Treating Emotional and Psychological Disorders
Many Luo-Connecting Points address emotional imbalances such as anxiety, depression, and grief.
Example: HT-5 (Tongli) calms the spirit and treats heart-related emotional disturbances.
➡️ Learn More About Emotional Regulation in Acupuncture
3. Clearing Excess and Stagnation
Luo-Connecting Points regulate excess or deficient qi by dispersing stagnation or tonifying weaknesses.
Example: ST-40 (Fenglong) resolves phlegm accumulation and mental fog.
4. Enhancing Circulation and Pain Management
Luo points treat channel-related pain and circulatory blockages.
Example: BL-58 (Feiyang) is effective for sciatica and lower limb pain.
➡️ Explore Acupuncture for Pain Relief
Luo-Connecting Points of the Governing and Conception Vessels
| Extraordinary Vessel | Luo-Connecting Point | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Du Mai (Governing Vessel) | DU-1 (Changqiang) | Treats hemorrhoids, spine issues |
| Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) | REN-15 (Jiuwei) | Regulates the diaphragm, calms the mind |
Treatment Strategies Using Luo-Connecting Points
Balancing paired meridians: Combine Luo and Yuan-Source points for enhanced energy regulation.
For emotional imbalances: Treat Luo-Connecting Points with gentle needling and tonification.
For pain relief: Use Luo-Connecting Points with gua sha, cupping, or electroacupuncture.
Conclusion
Luo-Connecting Points are powerful for balancing meridians, regulating emotions, clearing stagnation, and treating chronic pain. By integrating them into acupuncture practice, practitioners can achieve deeper therapeutic effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When should Luo-Connecting Points be used?
They are best for meridian imbalances, emotional disorders, and stagnation conditions.
Q: How do Luo-Connecting Points differ from other categories?
Unlike Xi-Cleft Points, which treat acute pain, Luo-Connecting Points focus on balancing paired meridians and emotional well-being.
Q: Can Luo-Connecting Points be combined with other points?
Yes! They work well with Yuan-Source Points to enhance qi circulation and stability.
Sources:
Deadman, P. (2001). A Manual of Acupuncture. Journal of Chinese Medicine Publications.
Maciocia, G. (2015). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists. Churchill Livingstone.
Kendall, D. E. (2002). The Dao of Chinese Medicine: Understanding an Ancient Healing Art. Oxford University Press.