Small Intestine Meridian
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SI-15
Safety Warnings
- Dangerous point - requires extra caution
- Deep needling contraindicated - shallow insertion only
Needle Depth
0.3–0.6 cun
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Body Area
Back — Upper (Thoracic), Shoulder, Neck — Posterior
Location
2 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (C7).
Main Actions
- Opens the Channel
- Descends the Rebellious Lung Qi
Indications
Commentary
Similar to Quyuan SI-13 and Jianwaishu SI-14, Jianzhongshu SI-15's main function is to open the Channel by removing the Obstruction. Therefore, it is able to treat symptoms like pain in the shoulder and scapula. However, it is less frequently used comparing with the two neighboring points.
On top of that, it can also promotes the descending of Rebellious Lung Qi, so as to treat coughing and coughing of Blood.
Classical Sources
Zhenjiu Jiayijing (针灸甲乙经 - The Systematic Classic of Acupuncture and Moxibustion): First recorded SI-15 as an acupuncture point. Located 2 cun lateral to the lower border of C7 (Dazhui DU-14).
Tongren (铜人 - Bronze Figure Classic): "Treats cold-heat [disorders] and blurred vision (目视不明)."
Yixue Rumen (医学入门 - Introduction to Medicine): Alternative location given as "2 cun lateral to Dazhu" (大杼旁二寸).
Zhenjiu Jicheng (针灸集成 - Collection of Acupuncture): Alternative location given as "5 fen above Jianwaishu" (肩外俞上五分).
How to Locate
First identify Dazhui DU-14 below the 7th cervical vertebra (C7). Jianzhongshu SI-15 is located at the same level as DU-14 by measuring 2 cun in a lateral direction.
Caution
Risk of pneumothorax with deep or improper needling, especially in thin patients. Deep perpendicular insertion is contraindicated. Needle obliquely (0.3-0.6 cun), directing the needle laterally away from the thoracic cavity. Traditional teaching recommends angling needles from medial toward lateral (toward the shoulder) at approximately 30 degrees or using transverse insertion to avoid penetrating the pleural cavity. Exercise extra caution in thin or emaciated patients where the lung apex is closer to the skin surface.
Needle Angle
45° (Oblique)
Depth Category
Shallow
Standard Depth
0.3–0.6 cun
Needling Directions
0.5–1 cun vertically or obliquely in a medial direction. Caution: Pneumothorax.
Expected Deqi Sensation
Distention and soreness radiating deeply into the shoulder region. Deqi may spread toward the shoulder blade and upper back. Some patients may feel sensations extending toward the neck or down the arm along the Small Intestine channel pathway.
Moxibustion
Recommended
Duration: 5–10 minutes
Cupping
Recommended
Bloodletting
N/A
Gua Sha
Recommended
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