Traditional Chinese Medicine Healing Herbs(TCMHH)

ACUPUNCTURE

Shang Lian: TCM Acupoint Guide

SHANGLIAN
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
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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******.

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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.

Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.

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