Large Intestine Meridian
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LI-13
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Upper Arm
Location
Superior to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, 3 cun above Quchi LI-11, on the line connecting Quchi LI-11 and Jianyu LI-15.
Main Actions
- Removes obstructions from the Channel
- Regulates Qi
- Resolves Dampness and Phlegm
Indications
Fear
Sleepy
Malaria
Coughing
Scrofula
Elbow pain
Weak Limbs
Arm stiffness
Shoulder pain
Elbow numbness
Upper arm pain
Blurred vision
Elbow contraction
Vomiting of blood
Upper arm numbness
Shortness of breath
Commentary
Shouwuli LI-13 is less important comparing with other points in the Large Intestine Channel.
Its main function is to remove Obstructions from the Channel so as to treat numbness, pain and stiffness in the upper arm, elbow and shoulder.
It also regulates Qi, resolves Dampness and Phlegm from the chest area so that it is indicated for symptoms like coughing, short of breath, vomiting blood or fever.
Classical Sources
Ling Shu (灵枢·本输): "阴尺动脉，在五里，五腧之禁也。" (The yin pulsating vessel of the chi, at Wuli, is a forbidden point among the five transport points.)
Ling Shu (灵枢·玉版): "迎之五里，中道而止，五至而已，五往而脏之气尽矣。" (Draining at Wuli, the qi stops midway; after five insertions, the organ qi is exhausted.)
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (针灸甲乙经): "五里，在肘上三寸，行向里大脉中央，禁不可刺。" (Wuli is 3 cun above the elbow, in the middle of the great vessel, forbidden to needle.)
Zhenjiu Dacheng (针灸大成): "主风劳，恐，吐血，咳嗽，肘臂痛，嗜卧，四肢不得动，心下胀满，上气，身黄，时有微热，瘰疬。" (Governs wind taxation, fear, hemoptysis, cough, elbow-arm pain, somnolence, immobile limbs, epigastric fullness, dyspnea, jaundice, intermittent fever, scrofula.)
Baizheng Fu (百症赋): "手五里、臂臑，生疬疮而能治。" (Shouwuli and Binao can treat scrofula.)
How to Locate
First 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 Shouwuli LI-13 on this line, 3 cun above Quchi LI-11, on the lateral border of the biceps, in a depression between the biceps and the brachialis muscle. It is easier to locate the point when the elbow is flexed at 90°.
Caution
This point was classically listed as a 'forbidden point' (禁刺穴) in the Ling Shu and Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing due to its proximity to the radial collateral artery and radial nerve. Modern practice permits needling with caution: avoid the artery by needling perpendicular or angled toward the trunk, do not use strong manipulation, and keep depth at 0.5–1.0 cun. The classical prohibition likely relates to both anatomical concerns and the belief that excessive drainage here would deplete the five zang organs' qi.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
Vertically 0.5–1 cun, alongside the anterior border of the humerus
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local soreness and distension, with possible radiation to the shoulder or elbow region. Sensation may spread along the Large Intestine channel pathway.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–20 minutes
Cupping
Questionable
Bloodletting
Questionable
Gua Sha
Questionable
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