One interesting acupoint might invite you to solve a mystery that puzzles doctors and patients alike. In medical terms, it’s called idiopathic edema. In simpler terms, it refers to swelling in the legs or other body parts resulting from fluid retention without a clear underlying cause.
The Veering Passageway (Pian Li, LI6) acupoint will connect a point on your forearm, the large intestine, lungs, and, surprisingly, snacks. The solution involves a couple of steps, but with a little bit of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, all the puzzle pieces will fall into place, creating a truly holistic solution.
How Classical Theory Frames Pian Li
Pian Li was first recorded in the “Ling Shu” (“Spiritual Pivot”), a key acupuncture text in TCM. It is classified as the Luo Connecting point on the Large Intestine meridian. Luo Connecting points are the special locations where qi, or vital energy, branches off from the main meridian, or energy pathway, to connect with its paired meridian.
For the large intestine, this pairing is with the Lung meridian. In TCM, the lungs are responsible for managing the body’s subtle moisture, but not the large amounts associated with urination or sweating. Rather, it governs moisture or mist-like fluids that cause conditions like runny noses, cough, or edema. This connection allows Pian Li to regulate internal fluids that the body struggles to process.
Functions Rooted in TCM Practice
Pian Li is commonly used for cases of edema with no identifiable cause. When liver and kidney function look fine but swelling persists, TCM attributes the problem to accumulated dampness and toxins. These build up slowly over time, often due to dietary choices. Spicy, heavily seasoned, or processed foods loaded with flavor-enhancing additives, such as MSG, are said to introduce dampness and toxins into the body. Pian Li targets the resulting stagnation and toxin buildup, helping the body eliminate the elements that disrupt its normal functioning.
Pian Li’s therapeutic potential isn’t limited to lung-related functions. It can dispel heat and toxins along the entire path of the Large Intestine meridian that flows upwards from the tip of the index finger all the way toward the head. Pian LI can be a helpful addition to protocols targeting toothaches, jaw pain, facial swelling, and nosebleeds, as these conditions are all found along the meridian’s pathway.
Modern Research
Acupuncture’s expanding presence in clinical research enables more systematic study of acupoints and their practical applications.
One study explored whether acupuncture could demonstrate a connection between the Lung and Large Intestine meridians. Researchers gave electroacupuncture at specific points on both meridians in 40 anesthetized rats and observed increased nerve activity and improved bowel movement. The effects were similar whether stimulating the Lung or Large Intestine points. Pian Li, paired with Yang Xi (LI5), a neighboring acupoint on the Large Intestine meridian, specifically increased colorectal motility and activated nerves affecting the heart and lungs.
Another study on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared standard pharmaceutical treatment, traditional cutting therapy, and a combination of both. Cutting therapy involves making very small, superficial incisions at selected acupoints to release a small amount of blood—a technique that TCM believes helps clear “stagnation” and remove “excess heat or toxins.” Pian Li was used as a supplementary point in the cutting method group for phlegm-heavy symptom patterns. The group that received combined therapy demonstrated stronger improvements in symptoms and lung function compared to the medication-only group.
How to Locate and Stimulate Pian Li
Classic texts instruct to measure four finger widths above the wrist crease on the line between two other acupoints. However, an easier way is to cross the hands, interlocking them at the place between the thumb and the index finger. Pian Li would be under the tip of the middle finger. Press around the area and look for a spot that feels sore or tender. Professionals and enthusiasts alike rely on these sensations to locate the acupoint.
Ways to Stimulate Pian Li
- Firm pressure: Press firmly for three to five seconds, then relax for three seconds. Repeat for one to three minutes on each arm.
- Circular massage: Massage in small circles with your index finger or thumb for one to three minutes on each arm.
- Herbal patch: Apply an herbal patch overnight for longer activation.
- Advanced methods: Acupuncture or moxibustion, a gentle heat therapy using dried mugwort, by a trained professional, can deepen the therapeutic effects.
Precautions
Avoid using Pian Li if you have an injury in the area. When using herbal patches, opt for products without harsh synthetic ingredients, especially if your skin is sensitive.
A Natural Way to Regulate Your Systems
With Pian Li, you can help your body manage fluid balance and eliminate toxins before they become a bigger problem. Even if swelling isn’t an issue, giving this acupoint regular massage can be the support your system needs, especially if your snacks tend to be on the spicy or salty side.
TCM expert Shihhsiang Hung reviewed this article for accuracy and clarity.
