Small Intestine Meridian
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SI-9
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
Needle Depth
0.5–1.5 cun
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Body Area
Shoulder
Location
Posterior and inferior to the shoulder joint. When the arm is adducted, Jianzhen SI-9 is 1 cun above the posterior end of the axillary fold. Naoshu SI-10 is located directly above Jianzhen SI-9.
Main Actions
- Opens the Channel
Indications
Commentary
Despite that Jianzhen SI-9 is not an important point, but is often used for Painful Obstruction Syndrome on the shoulder.
It can also treat other part of the body such as arms, scapula or upper arms by removing Obstruction from the Channel.
Classical Sources
Suwen (素问·气穴论) - Yellow Emperor's Classic: First textual reference to Jianzhen as an acupuncture point on the Small Intestine channel.
Name Explanation: 'Jian' (肩) refers to the shoulder where the point is located. 'Zhen' (贞) in ancient times referred to divination or inquiry. The name suggests that Small Intestine channel Qi ascends from here to the Yang level of Heaven (Tian), but its warming effect on the upper body is uncertain - as if one needs to divine its influence, hence 'True Shoulder.'
Classical Functions: Disperses wind, quickens the connecting vessels, dissipates binds, and relieves pain. Clears the head and sharpens hearing. Activates the channel and alleviates pain.
How to Locate
With the patient sitting upright, palpate upward from the end of the posterior axillary fold, until you can feel the lower border of the deltoid muscle. If in doubt, ask the patient to flex their muscle. Jianzhen SI-9 is located on its lower border.
Caution
Avoid heavy lifting and thrusting manipulation as this may damage blood vessels and cause hematoma. The area contains the circumflex scapular artery and vein, axillary nerve branches, and the radial nerve lies in the deeper layer. When needling deeply toward the axilla, exercise caution to avoid neurovascular structures. The axillary cavity lies at maximum depth - do not needle excessively deep.
Needle Angle
90° (Perpendicular)
Depth Category
Medium
Standard Depth
0.5–1.5 cun
Needling Directions
1–1.5 cun vertically
Expected Deqi Sensation
Local distention and soreness at the shoulder. When treating upper limb paralysis, an electric or numb sensation may radiate from the shoulder toward the fingertips. Deep needling toward the axilla may produce sensations spreading through the shoulder and scapular region.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 10–20 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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