What Is The Function Of Luo Connecting Points?
As their name implies, the Luo Connecting Points are the places along a meridian’s flow where a subsidiary channel separates from the main channel, and connects with the Yin/Yang paired meridian. For instance, it is at LU7 (the seventh point along the Lung meridian) where a smaller channel separates from the Lung meridian, and connects with the Large Intestine meridian – its Yin/Yang paired channel.
Clinically, the Luo Connecting points are used to treat channel imbalances of the excess or deficient type, as well as disharmonies of the Yin/Yang paired organ. For instance, GB37 – the Luo Connecting point of the Gallbladder meridian – can be used in support of its Yin/Yang paired meridian – the Liver – to treat eye problems. (The eyes are the sense organ corresponding to the Liver organ system.) The Luo Points are also frequently used in combination with the Yuan Source Point of their Yin/Yang paired meridian. For instance, LU7 - the Luo Connecting Point of the Lung meridian, is used in conjunction with LI4 - the Yuan Source Point of the Large Intestine meridian - to "release the exterior" in cases of a wind invasion (i.e. the common cold).
Luo Connecting Points & Their Corresponding Meridians
Lie Que (Broken Sequence) LU7--- Lung Meridian of Hand-Taiyin
Pian Li (Veering Passageway) LI6 --- Large Intestine Meridian of Hand-Yangming
Feng Long (Bountiful Bulge) ST40 --- Stomach Meridian of Foot-Yangming
Gong Sun (Yellow Emperor) SP4 --- Spleen Meridian of Foot-Taiyin
Tong Li (Connecting Li) HT5 --- Heart Meridian of Hand-Shaoyin
Zhi Zheng (Branch to the Correct) SI7 --- Small Intestine Meridian of Hand-Taiyang
Fei Yang (Taking Flight) BL58 --- Urinary Bladder Meridian of Foot-Taiyang
Da Zhong (Large Goblet) KD4 --- Kidney Meridian of Foot-Shaoyin
Nei Guan (Inner Pass) PC6 --- Pericardium Meridian of Hand-Jueyin
Wai Guan (Outer Pass) SJ5 --- Sanjiao Meridian of Hand-Shaoyang
Guang Ming (Bright Light) GB37 --- Gall Bladder Meridian of Foot-Shaoyang
Li Gou (Woodworm Canal) LV5 --- Liver Meridian of Foot-Jueyin
Jiu Wei (Turtledove Tail) REN15 --- Ren/Conception Vessel of 8-Extraordinary Meridians
Chang Qiang (Long Strong) DU1 --- Du/Governing Vessel of 8-Extraordinary Meridians
Da Bao (Great Embracement) SP21 --- Major Luo
References & Suggested Reading
A Manual of Acupuncture by Peter Deadman.
An Introduction To Meridian Therapy by Denmei Shudo.
Grasping The Wind by Ellis, Weisman & Boss.