LI-16 - Great Bone

巨骨 - Jù gǔ

Point Region: Shoulder

LI

Large Intestine Meridian

手阳明大肠经 - Shǒu Yángmíng Dàcháng Jīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the top of the shoulder, in the hollow between the outer end of the collarbone and the bony ridge of the shoulder blade (the spine of the scapula).

How to Locate:

  1. Follow your collarbone out to its end at the shoulder
  2. Find the bony ridge of the shoulder blade coming forward behind it
  3. The point is in the hollow between the two bones
LI-16 (Great Bone) acupressure point location: On the top of the shoulder, in the hollow between the outer end of the collarbone and the bony ridge of the shoulder blade (the spine of the scapula).

How to Apply Pressure

Once you have located LI-16, rest a fingertip in the shoulder hollow with gentle, comfortable pressure rather than pressing hard against the bones. Avoid it after recent shoulder surgery, a fracture, or an acromioclavicular joint injury.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Shoulder pain
  • Scapular stiffness
  • Motor restriction
  • Shoulder stiffness
  • Movement problems
  • Joint pain
  • Shoulder blade pain

Related Health Concerns

Neck and Shoulder Pain

Select a point to see its location, how to find it, and its traditional uses.

Important Precautions

Avoid this point with:

  • Recent shoulder surgery
  • Severe shoulder fracture
  • Acromioclavicular joint injury