LU 11 — Shǎo Shāng (少商) — Lesser Shang
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1. Overview
LU 11 — Shǎo Shāng (少商) — is the Jing-Well and Wood point of the Lung meridian and its terminal point. It is the single most effective point in acupuncture for acute sore throat, classically bled with a three-edged needle for rapid relief.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use LU 11 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
On the radial side of the thumb, 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.
3. Actions
- Clears Heat and Wind from the Lungs and throat
- Restores consciousness
- Benefits the throat and resolves swelling
4. Indications
- Acute sore throat — the primary clinical use
- Acute tonsillitis with severe swelling
- High fever, especially in children
- Loss of consciousness and stroke (emergency revival)
- Mumps
- Mental restlessness and mania
5. Needling
Shallow perpendicular insertion 0.1 cun, or prick to bleed with a three-edged needle. Bleeding 3–5 drops is the classical technique for acute throat conditions and high fever.
6. Clinical notes
LU 11 is one of the most powerful points in the body when used appropriately. For acute pharyngitis, bleeding LU 11 often produces marked symptomatic relief within minutes. As a Jing-Well point of a Yin channel it also has emergency revival applications, often used with GV 26 (Renzhong) and the 12 Jing-Well points in stroke and loss of consciousness.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use LU 11 for acute sore throat, post-viral throat inflammation, recurrent tonsillitis and selected emergency presentations. Book a consultation in Wokingham, Berkshire.
