LI 14 — Bì Nào (臂臑) — Upper Arm
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1. Overview
LI 14 — Bì Nào (臂臑) — is an acupuncture point on the Large Intestine meridian and a meeting point of the Large Intestine, Small Intestine and Yang Wei Mai. It is one of the most useful local points in acupuncture for shoulder pain and frozen shoulder.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use LI 14 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the radial side of the upper arm, at the insertion of the deltoid muscle on the humerus, on the line connecting LI 11 and LI 15, 7 cun above LI 11.
3. Actions
- Activates the meridian and benefits the shoulder and arm
- Dispels Wind, resolves Phlegm and reduces nodules
- Benefits the eyes (via the Yang Wei connection)
4. Indications
- Frozen shoulder — one of the most reliable points
- Shoulder pain and stiffness
- Rotator cuff pain
- Stiff and painful neck
- Inability to lift the arm
- Lymphadenopathy of the neck and supraclavicular fossa
- Eye conditions including blurred vision and redness
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.5–1 cun, or oblique insertion upward towards the shoulder 1–2 cun.
6. Clinical notes
LI 14 is a powerful point for frozen shoulder when needled with the arm in slight abduction, often producing strong Qi sensation that radiates into the joint. I combine LI 14 with LI 15, TB 14 and SI 9 for full shoulder coverage. The connection to the Yang Wei makes it surprisingly useful for stubborn eye conditions when distal eye points alone have not helped.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use LI 14 extensively for frozen shoulder, rotator cuff impingement, post-surgical shoulder rehabilitation and chronic stiffness. Book a consultation in Wokingham, Berkshire.
