TE-11 - Clear Cold Abyss
清冷渊 - qīng lěng yuān
Point Region: Upper arm
TE-11 Qinglengyuan, meaning 'Clear Cold Abyss,' is a powerful point that cools heat and relieves elbow pain and stiffness. Located on the back of the upper arm, it is a key point for addressing a wide range of issues that are caused by 'heat' or stagnation in the arm. Its name, 'Clear Cold Abyss,' alludes to its ability to bring a sense of coolness and clarity to a 'heated' system.
Think of Qinglengyuan as a point that helps to cool down an 'overheated' system. It's invaluable for addressing issues like tennis elbow, a fever, and a feeling of 'heat' in the arm. By cooling heat and relieving elbow pain and stiffness, it helps to restore a sense of ease and freedom.
By cooling heat and relieving elbow pain and stiffness, TE-11 helps to restore a sense of balance and inner peace. It's a point that reminds us that our true power comes from a calm and unburdened body.
Location & How to Find
Anatomical Location: On the posterior upper arm, midway between the elbow and shoulder
How to Locate:
- Bend your elbow and locate the bony point at the back of your elbow
- Find the tip of your shoulder at the outer edge
- Locate the midpoint between these two points on the back of your upper arm
- The point is halfway between elbow and shoulder in the muscle

Primary Functions
Musculoskeletal System
- Relieves arm and shoulder pain
- Treats frozen shoulder syndrome
- Reduces muscle tension in upper arms
- Improves shoulder joint mobility
Nervous System
- Treats nerve pain in arms
- Reduces neurological inflammation
- Calms nervous system irritation
- Improves nerve conduction
Circulatory System
- Improves blood circulation to arms
- Reduces lymphatic congestion
- Strengthens qi and blood flow
- Supports peripheral circulation
Endocrine & Metabolic System
- Regulates triple energizer qi flow
- Balances energy transformation
- Supports organ coordination
- Harmonizes metabolic processes
Temperature Regulation
- Clears heat from upper body
- Reduces inflammation and swelling
- Cools excessive yang qi
- Balances body temperature
Emotional & Mental
- Reduces mental agitation
- Calms excessive thinking
- Promotes emotional cooling
- Enhances mental clarity
Clinical Applications
Primary Indications
- Shoulder pain
- Lateral chest discomfort
- Ocular pain
- Arm pain
- Chest pain
- Eye pain
- Upper arm tension
- Rib pain
Related Health Concerns
Common Conditions:
Related Acupoints
Select a point to learn about its location, primary functions, clinical applications, and protocols.
TE-11 Protocols
N/A
Important Precautions
- Recent shoulder surgery
- Severe arm fracture
- Acute shoulder dislocation