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Jianjing (GB-21), “Shoulder Well”, on the top of the shoulder, is the principal point for the shoulder and neck. It descends qi, dissipates nodules and promotes labour.
Location
On the shoulder, at the midpoint between DU-14 and the acromion, at the highest point of the trapezius muscle.
Anatomy
On the trapezius; the transverse cervical artery; the accessory nerve and the supraclavicular nerve; the apex of the lung lies deep.
Actions & Functions
- Relieves pain and stiffness of the neck and shoulder
- Descends rebellious qi and dissipates nodules
- Promotes labour and benefits the breast
Indications
Pain and stiffness of the neck and shoulder, mastitis and insufficient lactation, difficult labour and retained placenta, scrofula and goitre, and motor impairment of the arm.
Needling
0.3-0.5 cun, perpendicular insertion; do not needle deeply.
Moxibustion Suitability
Suitable for moxibustion.
Point Combinations
With SI-3 and SI-15 for neck and shoulder pain; with LI-4 and SP-6 to promote labour.
Classical Text References
A meeting point with the Stomach, Triple Burner channels and the Yang Wei Mai; the chief local point for the shoulder.
Cautions & Contraindications
Contraindicated in pregnancy (promotes labour). Do not needle deeply - the apex of the lung lies below (pneumothorax risk).
Latest Research
Latest peer-reviewed research on this point will be summarised here, with citations linked to PubMed, via our research integration.