Small Intestine 10 (SI 10) Nao Shu — Upper Arm Shu

This is a local point for pain and motor impairment of the shoulder and arm.

Small Intestine 10 (SI 10) Nao Shu 臑俞 — Upper Arm Shu

Location

On the posterior shoulder, directly superior to the posterior axillary crease (SI-9), in the depression inferior to the spine of the scapula.

Anatomy

On the deltoid, over the infraspinatus; the posterior circumflex humeral and suprascapular arteries; the axillary and suprascapular nerves.

Actions & Functions

  • Activates the channel and benefits the shoulder
  • Dissipates nodules

Indications

Pain, weakness and motor impairment of the shoulder and arm, and scrofula.

Needling

0.8-1.2 cun, perpendicular insertion.

Moxibustion Suitability

Suitable for moxibustion.

Point Combinations

With SI-9 and LI-15 for shoulder disorders.

Classical Text References

A meeting point with the Yang Wei and Yang Qiao vessels.

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

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Research summary (Tai Chi): Comparative efficacy of mind-body exercises for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and network meta-analysi - Clinical rehabilitation, 2026.