Atlas of Acupuncture

1.5 Luo-Connecting Vessels

For traumatic injuries with limited range of motion, needling of

distal points with simultaneous movement of the affected joint

has proven to be very effective. The distal points (➞8.2.1) can

be chosen by first determining the affected area, then needling

points in the corresponding area on the contralateral side.

For example, for a knee injury, the exact location of the pain is

determined, then the corresponding point or area on the contra-

lateral elbow is needled or massaged. Fig. 1.27 illustrates the areas

that have been found to be effective. These areas are also referred

to as reciprocal areas (for more detail also see ➞8.2, 8.3).

they form a network of vessels which distribute Qi and Blood

not only within the body, but also to its surface (➞Fig. 1.3, 1.4).

The 16 great luo-connecting vessels

Traditionally there are 15 luo-connecting vessels, but if one

includes the great luo-connecting vessel of the Stomach (wei zhi

da luoor xu li), it raises the number to 16:

● 12 luo-connecting vessels (luo mai), related to the 12 primary

channels and beginning at the extremities

● 4 luo-connecting vessels beginning at the thorax:

–2 luo-connecting vessels of the ren maiand du mai

• 1 great luo-connecting vessel of the Spleen


• 1 great luo-connecting vessel of the Stomach.
  Except for the Great luo-connecting vessel of the Stomach (xu
  li) which originates in a fu-Organ, all other 15 luo-connecting
  vessels emerge at a specific point on their pertaining primary
  channel, the luo-connecting point (➞8.1.2). 13 luo-connecting
  points are located on primary channels, two on extraordinary ves-
  sels (ren maiand du mai). The luo-connecting points are located
  on areas of the body, where the luo-connecting vessels that con-
  nect the Interiorly-Exteriorly pertaining channels with each
  other divide into smaller vessels. The 15/16 luo-connecting ves-
  sels thus fulfil a controlling function over all the other, smaller
  luo-connecting vessels. Each luo-connecting vessel has its own
  pathology according to its pertaining primary channel (➞intro-
  ductions to the primary channels ➞Chapters 4 and 5).

Superficial luo-connecting vessels

The smaller superficial luo-connecting vessels are sub-branches

of the ‘great’ luo-connecting vessels. They, in turn, are divided into

the sun luo, vertical branches which are sometimes also referred

to as tertiary branches or grandchild-vessels. The sun luonot

only spread over the surface of the body, but also cover the inter-

nal Organs. The sun luofurther divide into the more superficial

fu luo. The fu luoagain divide horizontally into small branches

called the xue luo(blood vessel network).

Pathogenic factors tend to enter the body through the superficial

luo-connecting vessels. By the same token, disorders such as Qi

or Blood stagnation in a primary channel or an Organ may man-

ifest in the xue luoas skin discolorations, spider veins, etc.

Clinical importance

The luo-connecting vessels can be accessed through superficial

needling techniques as well as skin-sensitising techniques such

as plum blossom needling, bloodletting, cupping, gua shaand

moxibustion.

New diseases are located in the primary channels; old (chronic)

diseases lodge in the luo-connecting channels.

A

Fingers

B

Wrist joint

C

Forearm E

Upper arm

D

Elbow

F

Shoulder

G

Lumbar region/Back

F Hip

G Thorax/Abdomen

E Thigh

D Knee

C Lower leg

B Ankle

A Toes

1.5 Luo-Connecting Vessels

Synonyms: secondary pathways (Larre and Rochat de la Vallée),

network vessels, collaterals

Organisation

The luo-connecting vessels can be divided into 15/16 great luo-

connecting vessels as well as into many smaller and more super-

ficial luo-connecting vessels. Looking at the luo-connecting

vessels altogether, they form a network that spans the entire body.

And all luo-connecting vessels in turn connect with the great

luo-connecting vessel of the Spleen (at ➞SP-21), which plays a

major role within the network of the luo-connecting vessels (Ling

Shu, Chapter 10). Together with the primary channel system,

Fig. 1.27 Corresponding areas of the body

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