TB 14 — Jiān Liáo (肩髎) — Shoulder Bone Hole

On this page

1. Overview
2. Location
3. Actions
4. Indications
5. Needling
6. Clinical notes
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

TB 14 — Jiān Liáo (肩髎) — is an acupuncture point on the Triple Burner (San Jiao) meridian. Its English name, Shoulder Bone Hole, 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, practising at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire.

2. Location

Posterior and inferior to the acromion, in the depression posterior to LI 15 when the arm is abducted.

3. Actions

1. Activates the meridian and relieves shoulder pain — posterior shoulder local point
2. Dispels Wind-Damp from the shoulder joint
3. Benefits the shoulder joint and surrounding soft tissue

4. Indications

1. Shoulder pain — important local point for the posterior shoulder
2. Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
3. Rotator cuff pathology — particularly the posterior cuff
4. Arm paralysis and weakness

5. Needling

Perpendicular or oblique inferior insertion 1.0–1.5 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

TB 14 is the primary Triple Burner local point for the shoulder, targeting the posterior aspect of the shoulder joint alongside SI 9, SI 11 and GB 21. Combined with LI 15 (anterior), TB 14 (posterior) and GB 21 (superior), the practitioner encircles the shoulder joint for comprehensive coverage. For frozen shoulder, TB 14 + ST 38 (distal) + LI 15 forms a powerful local-distal combination.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I use TB 14 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.