Jianyu Point (LI-15 / Shoulder Bone)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Jianyu (LI-15). Learn its benefits for frozen shoulder, shoulder pain and stiffness, stroke, hemiplegia, and hypertension, plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Disperses wind-dampness from the meridians, clears Yangming fire and qi, frees and benefits the joints, dispels pathogens and relieves heat. Treats scapulohumeral arthritis, stroke, hemiplegia, hypertension, and upper limb immobility.
Precise Location
Located on the Large Intestine meridian. Flex the elbow, raise the arm level with the shoulder. There are two depressions at the shoulder joint; the small depression at the front is the location of this point.
Location Method
Sit upright, flex the elbow and raise the arm to shoulder level. Use the middle finger of the other hand to press under the shoulder tip – the point is in the depression that appears at the front of the shoulder.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Scraping therapy: Scrape from top to bottom. Bring the middle and index fingers together and press vertically with the finger pads into the point. Apply to both shoulders using the same method, morning and evening, for 1–3 minutes on each side per session. Therapeutic actions: Relaxes the meridians and unblocks the collaterals, disperses wind and clears heat.
Compatibility
Stroke: Combine with Shuigou (GV-26), Baihui (GV-20), Fengchi (GB-20), Shixuan (EX-UE11), and Jianyu (LI-15). Disease overview: Stroke is characterized by sudden loss of consciousness, deviation of the mouth, speech difficulties, or hemiplegia. It has a rapid onset, diverse symptoms, and fast-changing conditions – similar to the nature of wind, hence the name "wind-stroke" (卒中). It has high morbidity and mortality rates, often leaving sequelae, with an increasingly younger age of onset in recent years. Massage sequence: During a stroke, immediately press Shuigou firmly until consciousness returns. Then perform auxiliary massage: knead Baihui on the top of the head for 1 minute, rub Fengchi with the thumb for 1 minute, sequentially pinch Shixuan with the index finger and thumb, and finally massage Jianyu for 1 minute. Frozen shoulder (scapulohumeral periarthritis): Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Jingqu (LU-8), Jianyu (LI-15), Neiguan (PC-6), Houxi (SI-3), and Zhongzhu (TE-3). Hypertension: Combine with Renying (ST-9), Dazhui (GV-14), Taichong (LR-3), and Jianyu (LI-15).
Efficacy & Actions
Jianyu is a specific point for "Fifty-Shoulder" (frozen shoulder / scapulohumeral periarthritis). Office workers who sit for prolonged periods or spend long hours in front of computers often suffer from shoulder soreness and neck stiffness. Around the age of fifty, if exposed to wind-cold, they may experience movement disorders when raising hands or lifting the head – this is commonly known as "Fifty-Shoulder." Regular massage of Jianyu can alleviate various shoulder conditions including soreness, pain, stiffness, and rigidity. This point belongs to the Large Intestine meridian. It disperses wind-dampness from the meridians, clears Yangming fire and qi, frees and benefits the joints, and dispels pathogens to relieve heat.