Within the Jing Luo system there are 12 systems whose trunks are the main channels. There are also, from the most superficial part of the body to the deepest:

• Twelve cutaneous regions.
• Fifteen luos.
• Twelve muscle channels.
• Twelve distinct or divergent channels.
• Eight extraordinary channels.

This network allows communication of all parts of the body with the twelve main channels, and from there with the organs and viscera.

Cutaneous Regions

In the most superficial part are the twelve cutaneous regions, Xue Luo, intertwined with the capillary luos, Sun Luo, and the superficial luos, Fu Luo, which come from the main channels. The cutaneous regions are grouped into six regions: Tai Yang, Tai Yin, Shao Yang, Shao Yin, Jue Yin and Yang Ming.

The cutaneous regions are not channels, they are skin areas connected to the network of superficial vessels and channels. They cover the entire body and do not have their own points (only fourteen channels have their own points).

It is a major defense system, where Wei Qi circulates, where it receives Lung-Qi through its function of diffusing and distributing. The cutaneous region is the first barrier against attack by pathogenic energy.

They have an important role in diagnosis: inspection of the cutaneous system allows us to diagnose pathogenic factors that are in our body. We observe color, temperature, tension, hydration, nutrition, location, form of any skin problem. All this indicates where the lesion is located.

The cutaneous region also helps us as treatment: at the therapeutic level, we can affect the deep from the surface because they are part of the same system. Fu Luo and Sun Luo affect the main channels. We activate the cutaneous to mobilize Wei Qi, to unblock it: Gua Sha, bleedings, cataplasm, patches, intradermal needles, sweating, friction, drainage, cupping.