Large Intestine Meridian
View all acupuncture points on this meridian and explore the channel pathway.
View meridian
LI-14
Needle Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Upper Arm
Location
On the radial side of the humerus, superior to the lower end of deltoid muscle, on the line connecting Quchi LI-11 and Jianyu LI-15, 7 cun proximal to Quchi LI-11.
Main Actions
- Removes obstruction from the Channel
- Benefits the eyes
- Resolves Phlegm
Indications
Goitre
Red eyes
Eye pain
Scrofula
Stiff neck
Eye swelling
Shoulder pain
Arm stiffness
Upper arm pain
Neck contraction
Shoulder numbness
Upper arm atrophy
Upper arm numbness
Commentary
Binao LI-14 is not a major point of the Large Intestine Channel. However, it is still widely used to treat Painful Obstruction Syndrome on the upper arm, shoulder and neck. It opens the Channel by expelling Wind, Cold or Dampness.
Another function of this point is to benefit the eyes by ease redness, swelling and pain there. In this case, the needle needs to be inserted obliquely towards the shoulder.
Finally, it also resolves Phlegm so as to be indicated for nodules and goitre.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayijing (針灸甲乙經 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First recorded this point, establishing its location at the arm and documenting its use for shoulder and arm pain, neck stiffness, and scrofula (瘰疬).
Name Interpretation: 臂 (Bì) means "arm" referring to the location of the point. 臑 (Nào) refers to the muscle prominence of the upper arm, describing where yang qi gathers and allows the arm to move freely. Alternative names include Tou Chong (頭冲 - "Head Rushing") and Jing Chong (頸冲 - "Neck Rushing"), indicating the direction of qi flow upward toward the head and neck.
How to Locate
First flex the elbow and the deltoid muscle against resistance, making the lateral border of the muscle belly more visible. Secondly identify the line connecting Quchi LI-11 at the lateral end of the elbow crease and Jianyu LI-15 in a depression anterior and inferior to the acromion. Locate Binao LI-14 on this line 7 cun proximal to Quchi LI-11, in a depression on the lower pointed insertion area of the deltoid. The patients can touch the location around this point when they moves their upper arm to towards the tip of their nose.
Caution
The radial nerve runs deep to this point. Avoid excessive depth or aggressive manipulation to prevent nerve damage. The area contains branches of the circumflex humeral artery and deep brachial artery. Use careful technique with perpendicular or slightly upward oblique insertion.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun vertically or obliquely towards the shoulder for eye disorders.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the deltoid region. Sensation may radiate upward toward the shoulder or downward along the arm. Strong needling with upward oblique insertion may produce sensations spreading throughout the entire shoulder region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Related Resources
Browse All Points
Explore the complete collection of acupuncture points across all meridians.
View all meridians