ACUPUNCTURE
Shang Lian: TCM Acupoint Guide
SHANGLIAN
Name
Shang Lian (Shanglian)
Location
On the radial side of the forearm, 3 cun below LI-11 Quchi, on the line connecting LI-11 Quchi with LI-5 Yangxi.
Needling
- Perpendicular or oblique insertion, 0.5 to 1.5 cun.
- Straight insertion, 1 to 2 cun.
- Puncture perpendicularly, 0.5 to 1 cun.
- Moxibustion is applicable.
Actions
- Harmonizes the large intestine
- Activates the channel
- Alleviates pain
Indications
- Borborygmus
- Large intestine qi stagnation
- Abdominal pain
- Difficult urination
- Dark urine
- Numbness of the limbs
- Hemiplegia from wind-stroke
- Sprain
- Swollen, arthritic or rheumatic knees
- Paralysis or atony of the bladder
- Chest pain
- Dyspnea
- Brain wind
- Headache
- Pain or numbness of the shoulder, elbow and arm
- Cold sensation of the bone marrow
- Motor impairment of the upper limbs
- Gonorrhea
- Cold feeling in the bones
Notes
LI-8 Xialian and LI-9 Shanglian are a reflection on the arm of ST-39 Xiajuxu and ST-37 Shangjuxu on the leg. If this point is spontaneously tender, it means you have ******brain fatigue******.
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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