Acupuncture
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EX-UE
Needle Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Shoulder
Location
On the midpoint of a line connecting the end of anterior axillary fold and Jianyu LI-15.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
Indications
Commentary
Jianqian EX-UE is very effective in treating shoulder disorders such as stiffness, pain and numbness, especially if the discomfort radiates to the anterior aspect of the shoulder along the Lung Channel.
In clinical practice it is commonly combined with other important points for treating the shoulder such as Jianyu LI-15, Jugu LI-16, Jianliao SJ-14 and Naoshu SI-10.
Classical Sources
As an extra point (经外奇穴), Jianqian does not appear in the classical texts of the Huangdi Neijing or other foundational works. Extra points were developed through clinical experience over centuries and documented in later texts. This point is also known as Jianneiling (肩内陵), meaning "inner shoulder mound," reflecting its location on the anterior aspect of the shoulder joint.
The point gained recognition through modern clinical practice for its effectiveness in treating anterior shoulder conditions, particularly when combined with the three regular shoulder points (Jianyu LI-15, Jianliao SJ-14, Jianzhen SI-9) to form the "Shoulder Four Needles" protocol widely used for frozen shoulder treatment.
How to Locate
First locate Jianyu LI-15 by abducting the arm and find the depression anterior and inferior to the acromion. The end of anterior axillary is easily located at the lower border of the pectoralis major muscle. Draw an imaginary line and locate Jianqian EX-UE in the middle.
Caution
The shoulder region contains the axillary nerve, musculocutaneous nerve, and thoracoacromial vessels in the deeper layers. Avoid overly deep insertion and angle the needle appropriately. For tenosynovitis of the long head of the biceps, a slanted insertion technique is recommended rather than perpendicular needling. Exercise care when applying strong stimulation in patients with weak constitution.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
1.0–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically up to 1.5 cun.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and soreness at the shoulder, or an electric, numb sensation radiating down the upper arm, potentially extending as far as the fingertips. Deqi may spread throughout the anterior shoulder region and deltoid muscle area.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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