Jianwaishu SI-14
Chinese: 肩外俞
Pinyin: Jiān Wài Shū
Location
3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic verrtebra (T1), on the vertical line drawn from the levator scapulae muscle.
How to locate
The levator scapulae muscle originates on the upper aspect of the medial border and the superior angle of the scapula. In this area, it is often myogelotic and therefore well defined and often sensitive to pressure (trigger point).
Jianwaishu SI-14 is located just superior to the actual muscle insertion. It is not located on the scapula, in contrast to Quyuan SI-13.
Main actions
- Opens the Channel
- Expels Wind
Needling
0.5–1 cun vertically or obliquely in a medial direction.
Caution: Pneumothorax.
Commentary for Jianwaishu SI-14
The function of Jianwaishu SI-14 is quite similar to this neighboring point Quyuan SI-13. It opens the Channel by removing the Obstruction. Therefore, it treats symptoms like pain in shoulder, scapula, arm and elbow. It is also effective when the patients are not able to turn their neck.
It should always be checked for sensitivity on pressure in case of shoulder issues.
In additional to that, it is also able to expel Wind in general, so as to treat Painful Obstruction Syndrome (Bi Syndrome) by Exterior Wind Invasion.