Jianwaishu Point (SI-14 / Outer Shoulder Shu)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Jianwaishu (SI-14 / Outer Shoulder Shu). Learn its benefits for shoulder and back pain, stiff neck, and cold upper limb pain – plus classic combinations for comprehensive treatment.
Indications
Shoulder and back soreness with pain, stiff neck, and cold pain of the upper limbs.
Precise Location
In the spinal region, below the spinous process of the 1st thoracic vertebra, 3 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Location Method
Bend the head down – count 1 vertebra below the most prominent spinous process at the back of the neck (C7, the 7th cervical vertebra) to reach the spinous process of T1 (1st thoracic vertebra) – the point is 4 finger-widths (approximately 3 cun) lateral to this point.
Massage Method
① Massage: Press and knead with the thumb. ② Moxibustion: Apply mild-warm moxa stick. Press and knead Jianwaishu with the thumb about 200 times daily to treat stiff painful neck. Therapeutic actions: Relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, unblocks the meridians and relieves pain, dispels wind and cold.
Compatibility
Shoulder and back pain: Combine with Dazhui (GV-14).
Efficacy & Actions
This point belongs to the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian. It relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals, unblocks the meridians and relieves pain, dispels wind and cold. It is a commonly used point for treating shoulder, back, and neck disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. "Jian" refers to the shoulder; "Wai" means outer; "Shu" means point of transport. Located on the shoulder and back, farther from the spine than Jianzhongshu (SI-15) – hence the name Jianwaishu (Outer Shoulder Shu).
