San Jiao 12 (SJ 12) Xiao Luo — Dispersing Riverbed

This point, on the upper arm, activates the channel, relieves pain and calms the spirit.

San Jiao 12 (SJ 12) Xiao Luo 消濼 — Dispersing Riverbed

Location

On the posterior aspect of the upper arm, midway between the olecranon and SJ-14, on the line connecting the olecranon and the acromion.

Anatomy

In the triceps brachii; the median collateral artery; the posterior brachial cutaneous nerve and the muscular branch of the radial nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Activates the channel and stops pain
  • Calms the spirit and clears heat

Indications

Headache, stiffness and pain of the neck, pain of the arm, and toothache.

Needling

0.5-1.0 cun, perpendicular insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With SJ-11 for arm pain.

Classical Text References

A local point of the upper arm.

Cautions & Contraindications

None specific.

Latest Research

Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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PubMed research

Acupuncture Shows Sustained Benefits for Chronic Daily Headache Prevention in Adults, Meta-Analysis Finds

Research summary (Acupuncture): Utility of Acupuncture Therapy for Adult Chronic Daily Headache Prophylaxis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. - Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research, 2026.