When to use: your morning bathroom routine, facial care, or tight shoulders and arms.
| Element | Metal |
|---|---|
| Organ | Large Intestine |
| Paired with | Lung Meridian |
| Peak hours | 5–7 a.m. (Mao hour) |
| Number of points | 20 |
| Starts at | Shang Yang (LI1) |
| Ends at | Ying Xiang (LI20) |
| Pathway type | Three Yang of the Hand · hand to head |
| Emotion | Grief |
| Color | White |
The pathway
Begins at Shang Yang (LI1) beside the index fingernail, passes He Gu (LI4) in the web between thumb and index finger, rises along the front outer edge of the forearm and upper arm to the shoulder, then crosses the neck and cheek to end at Ying Xiang (LI20) beside the nostril.
Its hour on the meridian clock
5–7 a.m. (Mao hour) · Hexagram Da Zhuang (Great Strength). Yang grows strong as the sky brightens. Get up, drink warm water, and let your body follow its natural morning rhythm.
Key points
- Five transporting points: Shang Yang (LI1), Er Jian (LI2), San Jian (LI3), Yang Xi (LI5), Qu Chi (LI11)
- Source (yuan) point: He Gu (LI4)
- Connecting (luo) point: Pian Li (LI6)
- Cleft (xi) point: Wen Liu (LI7)
- Front-mu point: Tian Shu (ST25)
- Back-shu point: Da Chang Shu (BL25)
A simple tapping routine
With the back of the hand facing up, tap from the index finger up the front outer edge of the arm to the shoulder, 36 times per side.
Foods traditionally linked to this meridian
Plain rice congee, Chinese yam, lotus root, pears
Everyday tips
- Women: Get up between 5 and 7 a.m., drink a glass of warm water, and press He Gu (LI4) to support a regular morning routine (skip He Gu during pregnancy).
- Men: When shoulders and arms feel sore, massage Shou San Li (LI10) and Qu Chi (LI11).
- Elders: For facial care, gently massage Ying Xiang (LI20), and take a walk half an hour after meals.
Six ways to work with your meridians →
See all twelve on one chart: The 12 Meridians Wall Chart →
We don't promise. We don't cure. We align. This article is for everyday wellness and cultural education only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any condition. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a health concern, talk with your doctor first.
