GB 21 — Jiān Jǐng (肩井) — Shoulder Well
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1. Overview
GB 21 — Jiān Jǐng (肩井) — is an acupuncture point on the Gallbladder meridian. Its English name, Shoulder Well, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is one of the most clinically important points in acupuncture practice and is used regularly in the treatment of a range of conditions.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use GB 21 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
Midway between GV 14 (Dazhui) and the acromion process, at the highest point of the shoulder.
3. Actions
- Activates the meridian and relieves shoulder and neck pain
- Descends Qi and Blood
- Resolves Phlegm and reduces nodules
- Induces labour — contraindicated throughout pregnancy
4. Indications
- Shoulder pain, stiffness and frozen shoulder
- Neck and trapezius tension and pain
- Cervical spondylosis
- Insufficient lactation after childbirth (descends Qi to the breasts)
- Difficult labour and retained placenta — contraindicated in pregnancy
- Goitre and neck lymph node swelling
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.3–0.5 cun. Never needle deeply — the apex of the lung lies below. Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
GB 21 is one of the most commonly needled local points for shoulder and neck tension, particularly the tight upper trapezius muscle that is so prevalent in desk workers, drivers and anyone under chronic stress. Trigger point needling at GB 21 produces dramatic local muscle release. It is a meeting point of the Gallbladder, San Jiao, Stomach and Yang Wei Mai channels. Needling must be shallow — the lung apex lies directly below and pneumothorax is a real risk if needled deeply. Contraindicated in pregnancy.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use GB 21 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Shoulder pain, Neck pain, Frozen shoulder, Stress. Each treatment is individually designed following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Visit the prices page for consultation fees. Return to the acupuncture points directory or the acupuncture main page.
