GB-21 - Shoulder Well
肩井 - Jiān jǐng
Point Region: Shoulder
Location & How to Find
Anatomical Location: On the top of the shoulder, at the midpoint of the line from the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7) to the outer end of the bony top of the shoulder (the acromion).
How to Locate:
- Find C7, the most prominent bump at the base of the back of the neck
- Find the outer tip of the bony top of your shoulder
- The point is on the top of the shoulder, halfway between the two
How to Apply Pressure
Find the highest point of the shoulder muscle, midway between the base of the neck and the tip of the shoulder, and squeeze or press it with moderate pressure. Do not press this point during pregnancy, and skip it after shoulder surgery or a neck injury.
Traditional Indications
In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:
- Neck pain
- Shoulder tension
- Headache
- Upper back pain
- Arm pain
- Breast disorders
Related Health Concerns
Related Acupoints
Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.
Important Precautions
Avoid this point with:
- Pregnancy
- Recent shoulder surgery
- Severe neck injuries
- Acute mastitis with fever
Take care:
- Use moderate pressure only
- Avoid during acute shoulder injuries
- Seek medical attention for severe breast pain or mastitis