Large Intestine Meridian
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LI-16
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Shoulder
Location
In the upper aspect of the shoulder, in the depression between the acromio-clavicular joint and the scapular spine.
Main Actions
- Removes Obstruction from the Channel
Indications
Commentary
Jugu LI-16 is a useful local point to treat pain and stiffness due to Painful Obstruction Syndrome in shoulders, upper arms and upper back. It is often used together with Jianyu LI-15 to remove the obstruction in the Channel by regulating Qi and Yang.
It can also solve Phlegm so as to treat scrofula or goitre.
Classical Sources
The Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion) records Jugu as a meeting point of the Hand Yangming Large Intestine channel and the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel).
Classical indications include shoulder and arm contracture with pain and motor impairment, scrofula (lymph node swellings), and goiter.
How to Locate
This point is located on the shoulder, at the angle between the acromio-clavicular joint and the junction of the scapular spine and the acromion, above the most lateral portion of the trapezius and supraspinatus muscles. At this point, the tendon of the supraspinatus delves below the acromion, where it often causes problems owing to the cramped anatomical structure (for example, impingement syndrome).
Caution
Deep medial insertion carries a substantial risk of causing pneumothorax, particularly in thin patients. Always needle with slight lateral or outward angulation. Avoid deep perpendicular needling toward the chest cavity. Exercise extra caution with patients who have thin body types or reduced subcutaneous tissue.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distention and soreness around the shoulder joint, with possible radiation to the arm or upper back. The sensation typically spreads locally around the acromioclavicular region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–15 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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