LI-15 - Shoulder Bone
肩髃 - Jiān yú
Point Region: Shoulder
LI-15, or 'Jianyu' (meaning 'Shoulder Bone'), is one of the most important and effective points for treating shoulder issues. Located in the depression just below the shoulder, it is often called the 'Master Point for the Shoulder.'
As a 'Window of the Sky' point, Jianyu has a broad and powerful effect on the entire upper body, helping to regulate the flow of energy between the head and the trunk. It is the go-to point for 'frozen shoulder', 'rotator cuff pain', and general stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint. It's particularly good for improving range of motion and releasing deeply held tension in the shoulder and upper back.
The name 'Shoulder Bone' speaks to its direct action on the shoulder joint, making it a reliable and powerful tool for anyone dealing with shoulder pain. By stimulating this point, you can help restore fluid movement and a sense of ease to this critical joint, freeing up energy and blood flow to the entire arm and shoulder region.
Location & How to Find
Anatomical Location: Located at the shoulder joint, in a prominent hollow when the arm is abducted.
How to Locate:
- Raise your arm out to the side
- Feel for the depression that forms at the top of your shoulder
- This hollow appears when your arm is lifted
- The point is in this prominent depression at your shoulder joint
Primary Functions
Musculoskeletal System
- Treats frozen shoulder and adhesive capsulitis
- Relieves shoulder pain and stiffness
- Improves shoulder range of motion
- Reduces shoulder joint inflammation
- Treats rotator cuff injuries
Nervous System
- Alleviates nerve impingement in shoulder
- Treats brachial plexus disorders
- Reduces referred pain from cervical spine
Respiratory System
- Strengthens lung qi circulation
- Improves respiratory function
- Treats breathing difficulties
Immune & Energy System
- Boosts defensive qi
- Enhances energy circulation in upper body
Clinical Applications
Primary Indications
- Shoulder pain
- Upper limb paralysis
- Motor impairment
- Frozen shoulder
- Shoulder stiffness
- Arm weakness
- Joint problems
- Movement restriction
Related Health Concerns
Common Conditions:
Related Acupoints
Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.
LI-15 Protocols
Shoulder Pain & Range of Motion (4 minutes)
- Sit or stand with shoulder relaxed
- Locate LI-15 (anterior and inferior to the acromion, in the depression when arm is abducted)
- Apply firm pressure for 30 seconds
- Massage in circular motions for 1 minute to release shoulder tension
- Repeat pressure while gently rotating the arm
Important Precautions
- Recent shoulder surgery
- Severe shoulder dislocation
- Acute shoulder fracture