Jianzhongshu Point (SI-15 / Middle Shoulder Shu)
Discover the exact location and acupressure method for Jianzhongshu (SI-15 / Middle Shoulder Shu). Learn its benefits for shoulder and back pain, stiff neck, cough, wheezing, and blurred vision – plus classic combinations for bronchial asthma and frozen shoulder.
Indications
Cough, wheezing, shoulder and back pain, stiff neck, and blurred vision.
Precise Location
On the back, below the spinous process of the 7th cervical vertebra (Dazhui, GV-14), 2 cun lateral to the posterior midline.
Location Method
With both palms facing the face, reach along the neck toward the back – place the little finger beside the neck – the point is where the middle finger pad rests.
Massage Method
Press with the middle finger pad with moderate force – apply to both sides for 1–3 minutes each. Therapeutic actions: Releases the exterior and disperses lung qi, clears heat and disperses cold, relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals.
Compatibility
Bronchial asthma: Combine with Jianzhongshu (SI-15), Tianzong (SI-11), and Zhongshu (GV-7). Disease overview: Bronchial asthma is characterized by reversible bronchial obstruction caused by external or internal allergens or non-allergic factors. Clinical manifestations include recurrent paroxysmal bronchospasm with dyspnea, cough, frothy sputum, and wheezing sounds in the lungs. Massage sequence: Trunk area – rub transversely across the chest from below the clavicle to the lower ribs, back and forth 2–3 times; rub transversely across the shoulder-back and lumbar region from the shoulders to the lumbosacral area, back and forth 2–3 times; switch direction and repeat on the chest, then the shoulder-back and lumbar region; rub vertically along the Governor Vessel from Dazhui to the lumbosacral area. Shoulder and back pain: Combine with Dazhu (BL-11). Frozen shoulder: Combine with Hegu (LI-4), Bingfeng (SI-12), Zhongfu (LU-1), Neiguan (PC-6), and Houxi (SI-3).
Efficacy & Actions
The Bronze Figure Manual states: “It treats alternating chills and fever with blurred vision.” Like Tianzong (SI-11), this point is also effective for shoulder and back pain, cough, and other conditions. If you feel shoulder and back soreness and pain after prolonged sitting while reading, writing, or using the computer, try massaging Jianzhongshu – it relaxes the sinews and activates blood circulation, improving shoulder qi and blood flow and relieving pain. This point belongs to the Hand Taiyang Small Intestine Meridian. It releases the exterior and disperses lung qi, clears heat and disperses cold, relaxes the sinews and unblocks the collaterals. It is a commonly used point for treating shoulder, back, and respiratory disorders. First documented in Zhenjiu Jiayijing. “Jian” refers to the shoulder; “Zhong” means middle; “Shu” means point of transport. Located on the shoulder and back, close to the spine, opposite to Jianwaishu (SI-14) – hence the name Jianzhongshu (Middle Shoulder Shu).
