LI 15 — Jiān Yú (肩髃) — Shoulder Bone
On this page
1. Overview
LI 15 — Jiān Yú (肩髃) — is an acupuncture point on the Large Intestine meridian. Its English name, Shoulder Bone, reflects the point’s classical character and location. It is used regularly in acupuncture practice for 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 practise at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
With the arm abducted to 90°, in the anterior depression at the anterior border of the acromion.
3. Actions
- Most important local point for the shoulder joint
- Dispels Wind-Damp from the shoulder
- Benefits the shoulder joint and surrounding tissues
4. Indications
- Shoulder pain from any cause
- Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy
- Arm paralysis and post-stroke upper limb weakness
5. Needling
Perpendicular or oblique inferior insertion 0.8–1.5 cun.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of in a clinical sharps container immediately after treatment.
6. Clinical notes
LI 15 is the meeting point of the Large Intestine meridian with the Yang Qiao and Yang Wei Mai. It is the primary local point for the shoulder joint, almost always combined with SI 9, SI 11, TB 14 and GB 21 for shoulder conditions. In post-stroke rehabilitation LI 15 + LI 11 + LI 4 forms the primary upper limb stimulation prescription.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use LI 15 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Shoulder pain, Frozen shoulder. 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.
