ACUPUNCTURE
Bi Nao: TCM Acupoint Guide
Name
Bi Nao (LI-14)
Location
On the lateral side of the upper arm, on the line joining LI-11 Quchi and LI-15 Jianyu, 7 cun above LI-11 Quchi, at the insertion of the deltoid muscle.
On the lower border of the deltoid muscle and the radial side of the humerus, approximately 3 cun below LI-15 Jianyu. With the arm hanging freely at the side and the elbow bent, the point lies slightly anterior to the insertion of the deltoid muscle.
The point lies in the visible and tender depression formed between the distal insertion of the deltoid muscle and the brachialis muscle, approximately three-fifths of the distance along the line drawn between LI-11 Quchi and LI-15 Jianyu.
Note: this point is easier to find if the muscles of the upper arm are tensed.
Needling
- Straight insertion 0.5 to 1 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness.
- Puncture perpendicularly or obliquely upward 0.8 to 1.5 cun.
- Oblique insertion 1 to 1.5 cun.
- Penetrate the arm in front of or behind the humerus, 1 to 1.5 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness.
- For eye diseases, slanted insertion upward into the deltoid muscle, 1 to 2 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness.
Moxibustion is applicable.
Command functions
Meeting point with the Small Intestine, Urinary Bladder and Yang Wei channels.
Actions
- Removes obstruction from the channel and alleviates pain
- Brightens the eyes
- Resolves phlegm and disperses masses
Indications
Eye disorders
- Various eye disorders
- Redness, swelling, heat and pain of the eyes
- Conjunctivitis
- Myopia, including myopia in children
Shoulder and arm
- Pain in the shoulder and upper back, inhibiting lifting of the shoulder
- Pain in the shoulder and arm
- Pain in the elbow and arm
- Pain, numbness and painful obstruction of the upper arm and shoulder
- Rheumatic pains in the upper arm and shoulder
- Bi syndrome of the arm and shoulder
- Arthritis of the shoulder and rheumatoid arthritis
- Inability to raise the arm
- Wasting and weakness of the upper arm
- Paralysis of the upper limb
Neck
- Stiff neck and neck rigidity
- Contraction and stiffness of the neck
- Spasms of the neck muscles
- Torticollis
- Spasms of the head
Neck and throat
- Goiter and scrofula
- Throat bi and sore throat
- Cervical adenitis
Other
- Chills and fever
- Chest pain
Combinations
| LI-15 Jianyu (joined) | Myopia in children; anesthesia for the thorax; wasting and weakness of the arm with inability to raise the arm to the head |
| N-UE-14 Naoshang (joined), LI-11 Quchi | Pain in the shoulder or upper arm |
| UB-1 Jingming, ST-1 Chengqi | Eye diseases |
| LI-12 Zhouliao | Pain and inability to raise the arm |
| LI-13 Shouwuli | Scrofula |
Notes
This is considered a secret point for accessing the Yang Wei channel, and is said to enhance psychic abilities. It is a frequently used local point.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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