Jian Nei Ling: TCM Acupoint Guide

Name

Jian Nei Ling (Jianneiling)

Location

On the anterior aspect of the shoulder joint, midway between the anterior axillary crease and LI-15 Jianyu, with the arm freely at the side.

Needling

• Straight insertion, for most conditions, needle pointed toward the back of the shoulder, 1 to 1.5 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness or an electric, numb sensation in the upper arm extending as far as the fingertips.
• Slanted insertion, for tenosynovitis of the long head of the biceps brachii muscle, 2 to 3 cun. Sensation: local distention and soreness.
• Oblique or oblique-transverse insertion distally toward the elbow, 2 to 3 cun.
• Perpendicular insertion, 1 to 1.5 cun.
• Puncture perpendicularly, 0.8 to 1.2 cun.
• Moxibustion is applicable.

Actions

• Activates qi and blood
• Benefits the shoulder joint
• Removes obstructions from the channel
• Expels cold and dampness

Indications

• Hemiplegia
• Hypertension
• Pain in the shoulder joint
• Perifocal inflammation of the shoulder joint
• Numbness, paralysis and immobility of the shoulder joint
• Excessive sweating
• Wind-dampness in the shoulder
• Urticaria
• Arms lack strength
• Goiter
• Stiffness and pain of the anterior aspect of the shoulder
• Frozen shoulder

Notes

This point is often tender when palpated for pain of the shoulder joint. It should only be used if the pain radiates toward the anterior aspect of the shoulder.