Large Intestine 10 (LI 10) Shou San Li — Arm Three Li

This is a widely used point for pain and motor impairment of the arm, for regulating the Intestines and for tonifying qi.

Large Intestine 10 (LI 10) Shou San Li 手三里 — Arm Three Li

Location

On the radial aspect of the forearm, 2 cun distal to the cubital crease (LI-11), on the line connecting LI-5 and LI-11.

Anatomy

On extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis; the radial recurrent artery branches; the posterior antebrachial cutaneous nerve and the deep radial nerve.

Actions & Functions

  • Activates the channel and relieves pain and motor impairment
  • Regulates the Intestines
  • Tonifies qi and resolves nodules

Indications

Pain, numbness and motor impairment of the shoulder and arm, abdominal pain and diarrhoea, toothache, swelling of the cheek, and scrofula.

Needling

0.8-1.2 cun, perpendicular insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With LI-4 and LI-11 for disorders of the arm; with LI-15 for shoulder pain.

Classical Text References

A major distal point for the arm and a local point for the elbow region.

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.