Large Intestine 9 (LI 9) Shang Lian — Upper Angle

This point, on the forearm, activates the channel and relieves motor disorders of the arm and disorders of the intestines.

Large Intestine 9 (LI 9) Shang Lian 上廉 — Upper Angle

Location

On the radial aspect of the forearm, 3 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 stops pain
  • Regulates the Intestines and resolves wind

Indications

Pain, numbness and motor impairment of the arm, borborygmus and abdominal pain, and hemiplegia.

Needling

0.5-1.0 cun, perpendicular insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With LI-11 and LI-15 for motor impairment of the arm.

Classical Text References

Listed for numbness and motor impairment of the 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.