GB-21 Jianjing - Shoulder Well
| English: | Shoulder Well |
| Also Known As: |
Location
- Located at the highest point of the shoulder, halfway between DU-14 Dazhui and the acromion.
- Midway between DU-14 Dazhui and the tip of the acromion, at the crest of the trapezius muscle.
- On the shoulder, directly above the nipple, at the midpoint of the line connecting DU-14 Dazhui and the acromion, at the highest point of the shoulder.
Needling
- Straight insertion, 0.5 to 1 cun. Sensation: distention and soreness extending to the shoulder region.
- Caution: care should be taken not to insert the needle too deeply, to avoid puncturing the Lung.
- Posterior-oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1 cun.
- Caution: perpendicular insertion, especially in thin patients, carries a substantial risk of pneumothorax.
- Puncture perpendicularly 0.3 to 0.5 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
Command Functions
- Meeting point of the Gall Bladder, San Jiao and Stomach channels with the Yang Wei channel.
Actions
- Relaxes the sinews
- Regulates Qi
- Activates the channel
- Alleviates pain
- Transforms and lowers Phlegm
- Dissipates nodules
- Benefits the breasts
- Expedites delivery
- Promotes lactation
Indications
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Combinations
| UB-42 | ||
Mastitis | Shoulder pain | Inability to turn the neck |
UB-12 | HT-3 | REN-3 Or |
Pain of the shoulder and back | Scrofula | Retention of the placenta |
LI-11 | ||
Pain and cold of the arm | Pain and soreness of leg qi (first needle GB-21 Jianjing) | Shoulder pain Pain of the forearm |
DU-20 | ||
Rectal prolapse |
Contraindications
- Contraindicated during pregnancy
- Use caution for those with Heart problems.
Notes
- This point has three main functions:
1. It treats Bi syndrome of the shoulders and neck.
2. It promotes lactation in nursing mothers.
3. It is used for many problems involved in childbirth. - This is a very powerful point.
- This is a key secret point for knee problems, because it sends the Qi downwards.
- A gynecological point on the line linking the breasts and the uterus.
Five Elements Spirit Perspective
| Spirit of the Point | A powerful spirit point, below the neck and on top of the shoulders, where Heaven meets Earth. It works on the physical and spirit level and joins Heaven with Earth, God with man. Use this meeting point when the patient has lost connection with their higher self: the spirit shines out while the body is locked or depleted, or the reverse. It helps stiffness of mind, body and spirit, and burdens the person has carried. |
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| Worsley | Location: On the front edge of trapezius, halfway from the C7 spinous process to the outer tip of the clavicle, in a line with SJ-15 and SI-13. |
| When to Consider |
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| Combinations |
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| Notes |
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From Class
- GB-12 Wangu / GB-21 Jianjing: GB-12 for eye-tongue relationship (dyslexia, speech, insomnia, Bell's palsy, vision); GB-21 commands the arm jing-wells so opens orifices and treats wind-phlegm. (Yuen)
- GB-21 Jianjing (Shoulder Well) — lower dantian pump: Pumps from the lower dantian, converting Kidney essence into Shaoyang fire to the brain; rhythmic stimulation contracts the uterus (labor initiation, breech). (Hiltbrand)
- Add-ons: Du-20, GB-21, HT-7 + BL-40: Scalloped tongue/deficient pulse: add Du-20; wiry liver/GB pulse: GB-21; heart fire: HT-7 with BL-40 (a Ma Danyang heavenly star point). (Alexander)
- Ba Feng (Eight Winds): At the toe webs; for paralysis and neuralgia (e.g., numb feet), with moxa on the needle or digit tips; add jing-wells or GB-21 if wind is stuck. (Gioioso)
- Ectopic/missed miscarriage: SP-6, SP-10, LI-4, GB-21: When the embryo has died, normally contraindicated points can activate the uterus; post-surgery Yunnan Baiyao, Dan Shen, Yi Mu Cao, Tao Ren reduce scarring. (Lewis)
- Wind-draining points: Du-16, Du-19, Du-20, GB-37, GB-20, GB-21: Draining liver wind too fast causes dizziness (re-triggering content); marijuana disinhibits the liver too quickly (red eyes, dry mouth, then paranoia).
- Li Shizhen's Yang Wei trajectory as five-element genetic modulation: Li Shizhen built Yang Wei from BL-63, GB-35, GB-39, SJ-13, SJ-15, SI-10, LI-14 and GB-21, looping to GB-13 Benshen to change the marrow/brain. (Yuen)
- Coma / loss of consciousness: needle all Jing-well points: For coma, needle the jing-well points to exteriorize Wei qi; GB-21 also opens all the jing-wells; something must be felt to exit (heat, a drop of blood). (Gioioso)
- Insufficient lactation — Liver-Qi stagnation points: SJ-6, GB-41, ST-18, SP-4 (right) + PC-6 (left), GB-34, LV-3, Ren-17, SI-1, SJ-3, BL-51, LU-9, LV-4, GB-21; reducing or even. (Maciocia)