Large Intestine Meridian
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LI-9
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular), 45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Forearm
Location
When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 3 cun distal to Quchi LI-11 of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.
Main Actions
- Regulates the Large Intestine
- Opens the Channel and eases pain
Indications
Dyspnoea
Headaches
Borborygmi
Dark Urine
Chest pain
Hemiplegia
Shoulder pain
Abdominal pain
Shoulder numbness
Urinary difficulty
Commentary
Xialian LI-8 and Shanglian LI-9 (Lower and Upper Angle) are the upper limb refection of Xiajuxu ST-39 and Shangjuxu ST-37 (Lower and Upper Great Hollow) on the lower limb.
Shanglian LI-9 is indicated for Intestines disorders, especially in the Big Intestine. The typical manifestations are abdominal pain, borborygmi and Urinary difficulties.
It opens the Channel by removing the Obstruction, so as to ease pain and numbness in shoulder, elbow and arm.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayijing (針灸甲乙經): "Located 1 cun below Shousanli [LI-10]."
Zhenjiu Dacheng (針灸大成): "Below the auxiliary bone (radius), 1 cun above Xialian, on the lateral muscular prominence. Oblique needling 0.5 cun, retain for 5 breaths, moxa 3 cones. Treats diarrhea with undigested food, consumptive disease, fullness of the lower abdomen, yellow urine, bloody stool, manic speech, hemiplegia, hot wind, cold painful obstruction with paralysis, wind-damp painful obstruction."
Ling Shu (靈樞): The name 'Shanglian' (upper ridge/angle) refers to its position on the upper lateral border of the forearm, paired with Xialian (lower ridge) below it.
How to Locate
With the hand supinated, the line connecting Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11 runs alongside the radial margin of the forearm. However, with the arm pronated, it transverses the forearm. The forearm is recommended to be in a midposition with flexed elbow. Xialian LI-8 is located 3 cun distal to Quchi LI-11 on the line connecting Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.
Caution
This point lies over the radial nerve deep branch. While not considered dangerous, avoid excessively deep or aggressive needling to prevent nerve irritation. The forearm should be positioned comfortably with elbow flexed when locating and needling this point.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically or obliquely 0.5–1 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension at the point, with possible radiation along the forearm toward the elbow or wrist. Some patients may experience numbness or tingling spreading to the hand.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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