Sundance Acupuncture

Herb & Acupuncture Database

(This is my own personal database of teachers, teachings and notes that I use in my practice. I’ve decided to share it freely with anyone who would like to reference it.)

SI-9 Jianzhen - Upright Shoulder

More Spirit Names: Shoulder Integrity, True Shoulder

English:	True Shoulder
Also Known As:	Shoulder Chastity Upright Shoulder Shoulder Integrity Shoulder Faithful

Location

With the arm hanging freely at the side, this point is found 1 cun directly above the posterior axillary crease.
Posterior and inferior to the shoulder joint. When the arm is adducted, the point is 1 cun above the posterior end of the axillary fold.
Note: this point lies in the depression just below the posterior border of the deltoid muscle.

Needling

Straight insertion, 1.5 to 2 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness. When treating paralysis of the upper limb, there may be an electric, numb sensation extending into the shoulder and toward the fingertips.
Puncture perpendicularly 0.5 to 1 cun.
Moxibustion is applicable.
Perpendicular insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.

Command Functions

Actions

Expels Wins
Benefits the shoulder
Activates the channel
Alleviates pain

Indications

Shoulder and shoulder joint diseases
Paralysis of the upper limb
Excessive perspiration in the arm pits
Shoulder Bi
Arm weakness and soreness
Motor impairment of the hand and arm
Numbness due to Wind
Neck pain and inflammation
Sensation of Cold in the scapular region
Arthritis and neuralgia of the upper limbs
Pain in the supraclavicular fossa
Headache
Inability to raise the arm
Wind Bi
Toothache

Pain in the shoulder blades
Arm pain inhibiting movement
Tinnitus
Deafness
Swelling of the mandible
Pain, stiffness, paralysis or arthritis of the scapula shoulder and arm
Neuralgia of the shoulder and scapula
Wind Bi with insensitivity of the arms and legs which cannot be moved
Fever after catching cold Heat sensation and pain of the supraclavicular fossa
Numbness with inability to raise the hand and foot

Combinations

LI-15 Jianyu SJ-14 Jianliao	LI-11 Quchi M-HN-41 Jingbi	SJ-1 Guanchong LI-15 Jianyu
Arthritis of the shoulder	Paralysis of the upper limb	Heat sensation of the shoulder with inability to turn the head
SI-4 Wangu
Tinnitus and deafness

Contraindications

Notes

This is an important local point for shoulder problems.
SI-9, SI-10, SI-11, SI-12 and SI-13 are the key local points for shoulder joint problems, including frozen shoulder.

Five Elements Spirit Perspective

Spirit of the Point	Upright Shoulder reaches the Yang energy. Shoulders out of balance bring much stuckness and distortion, and the light cannot be seen. Another upright point, it helps the person stand up straight and see more clearly. It helps someone who carries a great deal on their shoulders to bear it without collapsing under the burden, and together with Shoulder Blade it clears out toxins, ridding body, mind and spirit of impurities.
Worsley	Location: On the back of the shoulder, at the top end of the posterior axillary fold. Needle depth: 5-7 fen Moxa: No moxa
When to Consider	When pollution is not getting out and sorting is not happening For someone who keeps their consciousness small When the person is carrying a heavy load on their shoulders and is close to collapsing under it
Notes	SI-9 and SI-10 also clear out toxins at the physical level Also used as a local point

From Class

LU-1, LU-2, LI-15, SI-9, SI-10: Shoulder restriction points; pluck the pectoralis at LU-1 aggressively for rotator cuff/frozen shoulder. (Alexander)
SI-9 / SI-10 / SI-12 area gua sha: Gua sha the shoulder (large intestine, some stomach and small intestine areas) to release the pure yang of the stomach. (Yuen)
SI-9 Jianzhen: Clears accumulation so we can receive the wisdom of the ancestors. (Lewis)

For educational reference only; not a substitute for care from a qualified practitioner.