Large Intestine Meridian
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LI-15
Needle Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Shoulder
Location
Jianyu LI-15 is located antero-inferior to the acromion, between the clavicular and acromial portions of the deltoid muscle.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
- Resolves Phlegm
Indications
Goitre
Scrofula
Paralysis
Urticaria
Hemiplegia
Wind-stroke
Arm atrophy
Arm numbness
Shoulder pain
Weak shoulder
Arm stiffness
Arm contraction
Commentary
Jianyu LI-15 is a very important point and it is mostly used to treat Painful Obstruction Syndrome caused by Wind or Dampness invasion to the arm and shoulder area.
On top of that, it is also able to ease Atrophy Syndrome and arm paralysis after Wind-stroke.
Another function of Jianyu LI-15 is to resolve Phlegm so as to treat nodules and goitre.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经 - Systematic Classic of Acupuncture): "Located at the shoulder tip, between the two bones."
Qianjin Yaofang (千金要方 - Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): "In the center of both shoulder tips."
Xunjing Kaoxue Bian (循經考穴編): "At the tip of the shoulder bone, between the gap of the two bones, when the arm is raised level with the shoulder in the depression... one should support the arm or turn the hand to the waist, and insert the needle slowly."
Lei Jing Tu Yi (類經圖翼): Notes this point as a meeting point of Hand Taiyang (Small Intestine), Hand Yangming (Large Intestine), and Yang Qiao Mai.
How to Locate
When abducting the arm and leaving it in a horizontal position, two depressions are formed in the insertion area of the deltoid. Jianyu LI-15 is located at the anterior depression. Jianliao TB-14 is located in the other depression.
Caution
When needling deeply toward the axilla (armpit direction), be aware of the joint capsule and surrounding structures. Avoid excessive force or manipulation in patients with severe shoulder inflammation or injury. Deep needling (2-3 cun) toward HT-1 Jiquan should only be performed by experienced practitioners with proper arm positioning. For supraspinatus conditions, needle with arm hanging freely at side.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
With the arm slightly adducted, 1–1.5 cun obliquely in the bony cleft and in a posterior direction. Or with the arm abducted, 0.5–1 cun vertically. Caution: Shoulder joint
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distension and soreness at the shoulder. The sensation often radiates down the arm toward the forearm. With deeper insertion toward the axilla, an electric or spreading sensation may extend through the shoulder region or down to the forearm.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
Related Resources
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