SI 15 — Jiān Zhōng Shū (肩中俞) — Middle Shoulder Shu
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1. Overview
SI 15 — Jiān Zhōng Shū (肩中俞) — is an acupuncture point on the Small Intestine meridian. Its English name, Middle Shoulder Shu, reflects the point’s location at the medial shoulder. It is used in acupuncture practice for upper back and respiratory disorders.
I am Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto, a member of the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience. I use SI 15 as part of individually tailored acupuncture prescriptions at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.
2. Location
2 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of C7, on the upper back.
3. Actions
- Descends Lung Qi
- Relieves cough and wheezing
- Activates the channel and alleviates pain
- Releases the exterior
4. Indications
- Cough and wheezing
- Asthma
- Upper back and shoulder stiffness
- Neck pain and rigidity
- Common cold with chills and fever
- Haemoptysis
- Blurred vision from neck tension
5. Needling
Oblique insertion 0.3–0.7 cun in the lateral direction. Avoid deep perpendicular insertion due to the proximity of the apex of the lung (risk of pneumothorax). Moxibustion is applicable.
Important: Acupuncture should only be performed by a fully qualified practitioner. Never attempt self-needling. All needles I use are sterile, single-use and disposed of immediately after treatment in a clinical sharps container.
6. Clinical notes
SI 15 Jiān Zhōng Shū is one of the upper-back Small Intestine points that addresses both local musculoskeletal tension and respiratory complaints. It is commonly combined with BL 13 (Fèi Shū) for Lung disorders and with SI 14 (Jiān Wài Shū) for upper-back stiffness. Care is required with depth of needling because of the lung apex.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I use SI 15 as part of tailored acupuncture prescriptions for conditions including Cough, Asthma, Neck pain and upper back stiffness. 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.
