Jiān Qián (肩前) — Anterior Shoulder (also Jiān Nèi Líng)
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1. Overview
Jiān Qián (肩前) — also known as Jiān Nèi Líng — is an extra (EX) acupuncture point. It is the standard local point in acupuncture for anterior shoulder pain and a workhorse point for frozen shoulder when the affected area is the front of the joint.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use Jian Qian as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
Midway between the anterior end of the axillary fold and LI 15 (Jianyu) on the front of the shoulder.
3. Actions
- Activates the meridian and benefits the anterior shoulder
- Releases tension in the biceps and pectoralis insertion
- Relieves pain and restores range of motion
4. Indications
- Frozen shoulder — particularly with anterior pain and restricted forward flexion
- Biceps tendinitis
- Subacromial impingement
- Anterior shoulder pain following sports or throwing injury
- Inability to lift the arm forward overhead
- Pain on dressing (putting on a coat)
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 1–1.5 cun. Often manipulated with the arm in slight abduction to engage the joint capsule.
6. Clinical notes
Jian Qian completes the “three shoulder points” triad with LI 15 (Jianyu) on the lateral shoulder and SI 9 (or sometimes a posterior Jian Hou) on the posterior shoulder. Together they encircle the joint and address virtually any frozen-shoulder pattern. For acute biceps tendinitis I add LU 1 and Ahshi points along the bicipital groove.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use Jian Qian extensively for anterior shoulder pain, frozen shoulder, biceps tendinitis and post-surgical rehabilitation. Book a consultation in Wokingham, Berkshire.
