SI 14 — Jiān Wài Shū (肩外俞) — Outer Shoulder Shu
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1. Overview
SI 14 — Jiān Wài Shū (肩外俞) — is an acupuncture point on the Small Intestine meridian, located over the upper back. It is one of the most useful local points in acupuncture for upper-back stiffness and pain between the shoulder blades.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use SI 14 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
3 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra (T1), at the medial border of the scapula.
3. Actions
- Activates the meridian and benefits the shoulder and upper back
- Dispels Wind-Cold from the upper back
- Eases interscapular pain
4. Indications
- Upper back pain, especially between the shoulder blades
- Cervical pain radiating to the upper back
- Shoulder blade pain (rhomboid trigger points)
- Postural pain from prolonged screen and desk work
- Stiff and painful neck
- Cold and chills with neck stiffness (wind-cold attack on the upper back)
5. Needling
Perpendicular insertion 0.5–0.8 cun. Caution: do not needle deeply over the apex of the lung; oblique insertion is safer.
6. Clinical notes
SI 14 sits directly over the rhomboid muscles, making it indispensable for the kind of upper-back ache that follows long hours at a screen. I pair it with GB 21, BL 11 and SI 15 for the full “tech-neck” presentation. Cupping at SI 14 is often more effective than needling alone for thick, persistent muscular knots.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I treat upper-back pain, “tech neck” and interscapular trigger points with bespoke acupuncture and cupping therapy incorporating SI 14. Book a consultation in Wokingham, Berkshire.
