Gall Bladder Channel

Jianjing GB-21

Chinese: 肩井

Pinyin: Jiān Jǐng

Location

Midway between Dazhui DU-14 and the lateral extremity of the acromion, at the highest point of the shoulder. 

How to locate

Use Dazhui DU-14 below the 7th cervical vertebra (C7) and the lateral extremity of the acromion as the references.

Draw an imaginary line between these two points and locate Jianjing GB-21 in the midway, on the highest point of the trapezius muscle on the sagittal plane. 

Main actions

  1. Removes Obstructions from the Channel
  2. Promotes lactation
  3. Descends Qi and promotes labor

Indications

Coughing Red face Neck pain Stiff neck Breast pain Breast lumps Shoulder pain Breast hardness Low milk supply Prolonged labor Difficult labor Shoulder stiffness Clogged milk ducts Placenta retention Shortness of breath Postpartum haemorrhage Threatened miscarriage

Needling

Vertically approximately 0.3–0.5 cun. 

An alternative and safer method: Lift the muscle and insert the needle approximately 1 cun anteriorly or posteriorly into the muscle belly.

Caution: Contraindicated during pregnancy! Pneumothorax.

Commentary for Jianjing GB-21

One of Jianjing GB-21's main function is to open the Channel by removing the Obstruction. It treats Painful Obstruction Syndrome on the shoulders and neck by relaxing the sinews and relieving stiffness there. 

The second function is to benefit the breasts and promotes lactation for postpartum nursing mothers. 

It helps descending Qi, so that it treats various childbirth issues such as retention of placenta, postpartum haemorrhage or threatened miscarriage. Therefore, this point is forbidden to needle during pregnancy.