SI-15 - Middle Shoulder Shu

肩中俞 - Jiān zhōng shū

Point Region: Upper back

SI

Small Intestine Meridian

手太阳小肠经 - Shǒu Tàiyáng Xiǎochángjīng

Location & How to Find

Anatomical Location: On the upper back, level with the lower edge of the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), 2 cun out from the midline.

Distances are in cun, a unit that scales with each person's body. As a guide, the width of your thumb at its joint is 1 cun, and your four fingers held together, measured across the middle joints, are 3 cun.

How to Locate:

  1. Find the most prominent bump on the spine at the base of the neck (C7; it moves when you turn your head)
  2. Go to the level just below it
  3. The point is two thumb-widths out from the midline
SI-15 (Middle Shoulder Shu) acupressure point location: On the upper back, level with the lower edge of the spinous process of the seventh cervical vertebra (C7), 2 cun out from the midline.

How to Apply Pressure

With SI-15 identified, apply gentle, steady fingertip pressure beside the base of the neck; keep it comfortable and never press on the spine itself. Avoid it after recent neck surgery, a cervical spine injury, or acute neck trauma.

Traditional Indications

In TCM, this point is traditionally used for:

  • Neck pain
  • Shoulder stiffness
  • Upper back tension
  • Cervical problems
  • Neck stiffness
  • Shoulder 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 neck surgery
  • Severe cervical spine injury
  • Acute neck trauma