Large Intestine Meridian
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LI-10
Needle Depth
0.8–1.5 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 2 cun distal to Quchi LI-11 of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.
Main Actions
- Regulates the Intestines
- Removes Obstructions from the Channel
- Tonifies Qi
Indications
Fatigue
Arm pain
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Arm atrophy
Wind-stroke
Arm numbness
Arm stiffness
Shoulder pain
Arm paralysis
Abdominal pain
Elbow stiffness
Elbow contraction
Shoulder stiffness
Feeling of cold in the lower abdomen
Commentary
Shousanli LI-10 is a major point of the Large Intestine Channel. It is widely used to treat intestine disorders such as abdominal pain, vomiting or diarrhoea.
Furthermore, it is a very important point in treating Painful Obstruction Syndrome, particularly in arms, hands, elbows and shoulders. It eases pain and stiffness there. It can also be used for atrophy or Wind-stroke syndromes.
Finally Shousanli LI-10 tonifies Qi, like the arm version of Zusanli ST-36 (Foot Three Miles) which is very powerful in Qi and Blood tonifying.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (Systematic Classic of Acupuncture, 282 CE): "Shousanli is located 2 cun below Quchi, where pressing causes the flesh to rise at the tip of the prominent muscle."
Beiji Qianjin Yaofang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): Lists Shousanli for treating throat obstruction (houbi) combined with Wenli, Quchi, Zhongzhu, and Fenglong.
Zhenjiu Zisheng Jing (Classic of Nourishing Life): Records the combination of Shousanli with Yangxi and Xuanlu for treating toothache.
Classical saying: "When shoulder pain connects to the umbilicus without rest, seek Shousanli in the hand" (肩上连脐痛不休，手中三里便须求) - indicating its use for conditions affecting the upper body from shoulder to navel.
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. Shousanli LI-10 is located 2 cun distal to Quchi LI-11 on the line connecting Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.
Caution
Classical texts caution against use during the ninth month of pregnancy. The radial nerve deep branch passes nearby (approximately 1.2-2.4 cm deep), so excessive manipulation or very deep needling should be performed with awareness. This point is often naturally tender to palpation - palpate to confirm location before needling.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.8–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 1–2 cun
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and soreness (酸胀), heaviness at the point, with sensation often extending distally toward the hand and dorsum. Strong deqi is typically easy to obtain due to the fleshy muscle mass at this location.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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