Small Intestine Meridian
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SI-12
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, Back — Upper (Thoracic)
Location
In the center of the suprascapular fossa, directly above Tianzong SI-11. When the arm is lifted, the point is at the site of the depression.
Main Actions
- Opens the Channel
Indications
Commentary
Bingfeng SI-12 is able to remove Obstruction from the Channel, in order to relieve pain and stiffness of the shoulder, scapula, arm and neck. For patients who suffer from inability to raise the arms and turn head, it is also effective.
Like its neighboring point Jianzhen SI-9, Naoshu SI-10, and Tianzong SI-11, it is another important local point for shoulder problems that should be checked for sensitivity on palpation.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayi Jing (The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): This classical text first documented Bingfeng SI-12 and established its location and indications for shoulder and scapular disorders.
Name Interpretation: "Bing" (秉) means to grasp or hold; "Feng" (风) means wind. The name indicates that this point "grasps the wind," referring to its location where pathogenic wind easily invades the shoulder, and its ability to expel wind from the channel.
How to Locate
The patient is suggested to be in a prone or seated position with shoulder relaxed. First identify Tianzong SI-11, at the junction of the upper and middle third of the distance between the lower border of the scapular spine and the inferior angle of the scapula. Then identify Bingfeng SI-12 directly above SI-11.
Caution
This point overlies the suprascapular fossa. Deep perpendicular insertion, especially in thin patients, carries a substantial risk of inducing pneumothorax. Oblique needling directed medially toward the spine (0.5-1 cun) is the safer technique. Avoid deep perpendicular insertion. Always assess patient body type before needling.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular) / 45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.0 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun vertically or obliquely into the supraspinatus muscle in the direction of the shoulder. Caution: Pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local aching and distension sensation at the scapular region, which may radiate to the shoulder and upper arm. The deqi sensation often spreads across the supraspinous fossa.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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